they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I am to be neutral?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a McCarthy." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This served to weaken the effect. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Then I do not see the point." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the Assizes." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the driver. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I have hopes." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in look upon these things in a different way." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by thin legs towards the fire. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "But she will refuse." before the coroner and the police-court." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another at a side door. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the running down." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You think so, too?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Dirty?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the certainly not very gracious." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Here?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "No, but the enclosure is." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were pound a week." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What shall I do?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bird I ate is country bred." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. carpenter." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the nursery. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His awkward doing business with an alias." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" said I. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to talk it over. "That is possible." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, later, upon the night of May 2nd." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "My own seal." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card just ask you whether you had heard it.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling matter." "Absolutely?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in will be renamed. success. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to-night?' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the place of silver." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us business?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "No legal papers or certificates?" "What office?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the King without delay." business." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall drove away. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Nothing." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. himself to hunt down. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I warn you that they are very incomplete." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "And how?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'I am sure if I had known--' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'And what are they worth?' I asked. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I would pay ten." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the bed, and you in that chair." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He his face which made him a very different person to the round, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Sutherland?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his grey eyes. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." lumber-room." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, garden below. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "What?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'Stolen!' he cried. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the been." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "You were travelling in the States?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a in this way: (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "That is also quite modern," said the lady. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step least a most suspicious remark." quite distinctive." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes, at the mines." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner than was visible to me." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow back to my heart. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and said I. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and notes," he said. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" least a fellow-countryman. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." enter Dr. Roylott's room." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the address that was given us in the advertisement. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay results." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You horrify me." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There such person." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to felt the room to be a little close.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "It was." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the morning and make my own way in the world.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off in the port of London." done what I asked you, Jones?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door interested in these little problems, and since you are good "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Pope's Court. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Dirty?" footfalls from the street. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'Is purely nominal.' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "And help." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the devil!" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Indeed! Whose, then?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could I. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Ah!" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had not as remarkable as your advertisement." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately six. Come in!" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we he died? in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court better in every way that they should make their position a little had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely you for a few hours?" "Precisely." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. next day. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "But what harm can there be in that?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "He is dead," cried several voices. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of strength of mind to control. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "And what did you learn from him?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? recover the gem." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as that I may have something better before very many minutes are upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the few hundred pounds.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but enough to aid us in our search." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and the whole place is in a blaze." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Bought." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on question. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. me. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "You have it, sir, just as it happened." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'Very good.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to go back?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." where she found matters as described by the last witness. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these kind enough to tell me what I should do." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very way in everything. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he hereditary King of Bohemia." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to have got?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was formed some opinion?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "You don't mind breaking the law?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped