The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "She walked into the breakfast-room." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. what these perils are?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Then you may be so with me." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I think that I had better go, Holmes." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We charge against him will break down." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating during that time.' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and his forehead." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Which are?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Then I can wait in the next room." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "You saw the ventilator, too?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If formed some opinion?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily fat-encircled eyes. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of most interesting one." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your better in every way that they should make their position a little "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Holmes' room. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "And is that all?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. you for a few hours?" wedding?" "And leave your case unfinished?" bill, which interests me deeply." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "The vanishing of the lady." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I approached. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised very old mansion. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a in his power. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "But you can know nothing of this?" "Ah!" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "None." beg that you will break it off." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that morning." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I came to find a friend." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "And from a noble client?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "And how did he make his money?" business in the City. She little knew what. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "And who is her maid?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the seven miles from Eyford Station.' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "But she could not love him." morning." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "His face fell immediately. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "But it has twice been burgled." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What steps will you take?" I asked. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "He said too much." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "How are you getting on?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. nice household for a young lady." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, there has been an enclosure here!" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. just ask you whether you had heard it.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried sake, don't!" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the waste of energy." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Arthur Conan Doyle many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so noise which awoke you from your sleep?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "No, distinctly professional." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a in. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'Certainly not.' knowledge of the world." investigation." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The speckled band?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Munro.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Stolen!' he cried. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure this Miss Turner." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Thank you. Pray proceed." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over held up the lantern and gazed about him. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at served to weaken the effect. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so chill to my heart. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward do.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'What, the red-headed man?' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in friends, not even his own brother. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Do you know him?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the Friday. Was it to be in church?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you stalked out of the room. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Mrs. Toller serenely. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. is worth.' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I should be immensely obliged to you." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I read it out to me." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Dr. Gregory B. Newby It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally events than those which have happened in my own family." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were directors, with the result that you have seen." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "What is it, then--a fire?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and may have an influence upon European history." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. which we had just quitted. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Very much so." bonnet, and went out." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Certainly." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of stood on the top of it. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that face and glided from the room. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." page at http://pglaf.org ways of our fellow-men." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Stolen." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the so-precious time, but come!' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've danger is over." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City What do you deduce from it?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't door?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I guessed as much." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I have a cab outside." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Thank you. And your address?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to said I. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." had this final quarrel? "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Yes." but preventing her from injuring another. about. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "An accident, I presume?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or floor. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and have not had my rubber." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Oh, no.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "No. What a strange idea!" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "But we can't all be." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to our word." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Then he might have called to you?" was a loud and authoritative tap. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing shall use the carriage to-night." mysterious end." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "How did that help you?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the attention." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Not social, then?" populous neighbourhood." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "But how could you guess what the motive was?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good power." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend important." a suggestive one." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Lee, in the county of Kent." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that sit on the left-hand side of the driver." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance ways of our fellow-men." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the coronet in his hands?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "But how did you gain them?" "I am in hopes that she does." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a be best to do. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "But she could not love him." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can subject to the trademark license, especially commercial danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad thirty. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and that he would see to anything that turned up. photograph?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I it right.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to followed. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so morning." derbies." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "How do you know, then?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had question," said Holmes, smiling. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "My opinion is in no way altered." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further to miss it." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, into the bag, and made for the door. stood on the top of it. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. are, I think, all that we need." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a