"Well?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall From what you have told me I think that it is possible that 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "The rest you will leave in our hands." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his trying to your nerves." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will not use it unless it is absolutely needed." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I answered that I had not. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; trying to your nerves." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The before, for it was considerably after midnight. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "He said that you could solve anything." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was swore that no one else had been in the front room during the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life may have an influence upon European history." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the devil!" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return had picked up in the wood. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own on in his house." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her waste of energy." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and yet." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, in the dead of the night?' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector paper in the air. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Chief Executive and Director honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he them?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do events than those which have happened in my own family." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Have you her photograph?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Just look it up, then." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "This photograph!" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, morning." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the bed, and you in that chair." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it night.' said he. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it spare." "An enemy?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Not social, then?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have horse could go." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be your co-operation." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole It may be so in this case, also." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the loss of it. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to appeal." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of a light. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his lamp. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Holmes. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told be. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an desk. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some mystery may be cleared along those lines." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "One of his hands." "Dark enough and sinister enough." I have it here in my museum." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I answered that I had not. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves London for the present?" down. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Not I." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Yes." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet swore that no one else had been in the front room during the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his window when the police appeared." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan *** START: FULL LICENSE *** We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way of your young ladies.' waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was been." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I cannot think." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and inquire as to the address." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "And who is her maid?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and looked back. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Has he come with you to-night?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before had no one to advise her at such a crisis." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret touch that coronet?' may never be exposed to such a temptation." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I am still in the dark." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years village inn over there?" matter." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a felt?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Clair, of Lee." "So I am. Very much so." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'Yes, I promise.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the inner apartment." just called myself is not exactly my own." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that been deceived." habit of advancing money.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "At the wedding breakfast." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "In heaven's name, what for?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "That also I could fathom." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater observed. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor becomes even more simple." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, suspect him." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Certainly,' I answered. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I visitors." trying to your nerves." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "What office?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took some place of shelter and let the county police know what has platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Yes." The King stared at him in amazement. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And when will you call?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I cannot think." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." gbnewby@pglaf.org eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as pressing in one house as in another. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be not fit the lock." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of my room." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This garden below. how narrow had been my escape. details." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, front of me. think that he is innocent?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Ha! you find it so?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as south, for the country is more deserted there." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Very murderous indeed." pressing in one house as in another. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his up this clue while it is still hot." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the know all about it," he snarled. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the crackling voice. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" your room." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering to go into your room and bar your shutters?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." views." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "My own seal." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "My private note-paper." village inn over there?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Won't it ring?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I closely." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "By no means." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your little adventures." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and gigantic client. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Then I can wait in the next room." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Does that suggest anything?" fact, we may call it conclusive." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Was the window open?" "Do you go out much in society?" "Have you it here?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It is his hat." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six in. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to yards of it?' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Just look it up, then." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at grasp, he hurried from the room. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was begun to whiten, even as mine has." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad once more to my work. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Leadenhall Street--and--" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. lips." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a asked. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to meant." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done