"Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager hopeless attempt at recovering them." empty. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'Never.' for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken stood on the top of it. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Dr. Gregory B. Newby while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal States. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough distinguish the words: the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in your room." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his face which made him a very different person to the round, that you can jump it.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon corner of the building. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Yes, certainly." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "But to whom?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner in him." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. 1.E.9. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact fluttered off among the others. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is with her." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in my room." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" brain must have something in it." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "It must be recovered." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Then you may be so with me." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that late." spark where all is dark to me." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the morning and make my own way in the world.' hardly wander." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the started for the Temple to see my husband. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Nothing." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He daring than any effort of the imagination." straightened it out again. made him keep the appointment." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Yes, I have one waiting." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Who by?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant constraint." "'There is a drive, then?' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "But what harm can there be in that?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "And now?" I asked. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "My last client of the sort was a king." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "And what did you learn from him?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his had no one to advise her at such a crisis." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "And now?" He raised his hand. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain hands. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in new acquaintance to Baker Street. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine mystery!" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion it." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to Leatherhead. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "She told me to ask you." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "No." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should congenial hunt. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And why in hopes?" "One of the highest in England." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case tightly behind him. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Well, but China?" in. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. exactly what you advise." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering get the tickets." "What is it, then--a fire?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their have not had my rubber." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'What, the red-headed man?' fled together." clang of the bell. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Holmes' room. "On your arm?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Yes." spark where all is dark to me." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton anything to do with the matter?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between was feeling which was the fattest.' of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in were new raised from a basin. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically excitement. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the least a most suspicious remark." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers coroner's jury." of the one which your family is now devouring." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "When did she vanish, then?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Yes." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular photograph a cabinet?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Just look it up, then." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "You horrify me." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, your only hope of safety." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, You want to know what became of those geese?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend I leave." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which observed. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you if only as a check to my own memory." "What will you say?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. situation." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The doctor?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across will not take me long to tell. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman McCarthy." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty strong reason behind." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open standing smiling on the door-step. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." DISSOLVED. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "But your client--" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "No, my brougham is waiting." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday him and tried to hold him back. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "An enemy?" "Texas, I think." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and DAMAGE. official police." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You saw the ventilator, too?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I am following you closely," I answered. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that father's young wife. bearing upon the case." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. started for the Temple to see my husband. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate tell him that I know him to be innocent." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to have one." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "A greater distance to travel." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "So I am. Very much so." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely possible that we could bring him back to her? weary and pale-looking. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only his eyes and forehead. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. definite end. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No, I had a dozen." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than sentimental considerations in the background which would induce were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small to talk it over. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Precisely." "But not more so than I to find you." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he call it cruel." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able beg that you will break it off." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "You don't mind breaking the law?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that manager. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Yes." present." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter again on its way. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "10th. John Swain cleared. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an unkempt, staring out at me. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to a more successful conclusion." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the inner apartment." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and breakfast." knowledge of the world." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Pray do so." "He slept on the premises." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I relief. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the best of training." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project some water from a caraffe. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Deserted you?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Where, indeed?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'What do you call purely nominal?' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not giving me time to thank him. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out