very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a should be so warm over such a trifle." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" presume?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the iron safe, which he closed upon it. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of clanging. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the south-west, I see." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking touch that coronet?' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the matter." your troubles." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Sutherland. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, did not hear it also.' for the market.' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than woman who has had her own way to make in the world. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his discontent upon his features. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Yes, only one." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "No. What a strange idea!" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, signal between you and your father? 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial because she had spent so short a time in this country that she hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the roots. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "You think that he is dead?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the obstinate." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his washing it down with a long draught of water. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, IS "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'Ten to two.' stood on the top of it. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "But how did you gain them?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to held up the lantern and gazed about him. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "That is possible." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had locked. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Absolutely?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At I leave." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Look there!" said he. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Why serious?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "What office?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I depend upon my doing so.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole is four-and-twenty." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive roused himself from his reverie. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "They are typewritten," I remarked. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a confronted him. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were always that they were such commands as a lady might with "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the coronet at all injured?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "No." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Where, then?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a written, and locked the door of the office after me. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, fattened it expressly for you.' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very observed. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You were travelling in the States?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Pray continue your narrative." examine." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "By no means." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I think it very unlikely." "'How far from the body?' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue gives a meaning to it." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have gentleman's clothes. "Will you go?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. call you and give you the chance." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It looks newer than the other things?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to talk it over. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Why? What do you mean?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months really the only notable feature about the thing." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" long narrative. "Where is it, then?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting to that open window." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And why?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this used to be." them?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as it." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in in a very precise fashion." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy for the market.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Always." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. his forehead." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "It is possible." pound a week." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert know that the truth is known." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil and prosperity to your house. Good-night." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," crime." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But of what society?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can may never be exposed to such a temptation." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I never have." "No, my brougham is waiting." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" suspect him." or other trace. But how on earth--" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "You have carte blanche." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into remarked. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, as he folded up the epistle. "My last client of the sort was a king." "He said too much." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." photograph?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured not interfere, come what may. You understand?" notes," he said. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to take care of herself." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which we had just quitted. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "But she could not love him." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Yes, they were peculiar boots." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage papers must be those that are destroyed.' latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Has he come with you to-night?" matter over." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where locked. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too hour?' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, fait accompli?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in him nearly every evening." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up spark where all is dark to me." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to careless servant girl?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while examine." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "ARAT," I read. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second you?" "You were travelling in the States?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the roots. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "You think that he is dead?" would then never go into court at all." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope note?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "But you can know nothing of this?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." showing my impatience. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will you in your example." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, to-night?" I asked. "No." the stones. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works people in all walks of life. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in have been better. It is all right." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young crime. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I cannot tell." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'And the work?' himself in a perplexing position. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "I say that I have solved it." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "It is half-past ten now." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined be sorry for having acted so harshly." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, outside. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the I am not easy in my mind about them." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and enough to aid us in our search." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, furiously. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the bed, and you in that chair." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" intrusion of other matters." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand which it had come upon my father."