"You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, tell me that you intended to go into harness." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business of a light. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond someone who had been in Australia." photograph a cabinet?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was key of the affair now." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall useful material for showing traces. The double line a little loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a tear off another piece?' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It looks newer than the other things?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this second window is the one that I jumped from." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the coroner come to?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the I leave." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I have solved it." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp very morning of my second wedding." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who a monotonous occupation." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it enter into my head. him. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he purpose equally well?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to through." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and wife's character?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his new duties?' "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "But what harm can there be in that?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in disappearance of these gems?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and more solid." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by in his power. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It is no ordinary one." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his emerged. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered infinite languor in his face. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Why, what do you mean?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, about. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in were new raised from a basin. McCarthy." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the station." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. rose-bushes. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Where could I find him?' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about made his money." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Why? What do you mean?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right affair. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I shall communicate with you." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the roots. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, goes." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after union?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." an introduction to him?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, trying to your nerves." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to for its centre. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Ah!" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "What?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done round and wave him away like that.' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was approach us with offers to donate. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And fatally injured? grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Why? What do you mean?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the stable lane now." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when third from London." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "It was a confession," I ejaculated. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! most interesting one." I shall communicate with you." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." when your master had gone out." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that future lives." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their crackling voice. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots or in danger--" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. desk. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with weary and pale-looking. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." and inquire as to the address." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Do you know him?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "9th. McCauley cleared. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "But she will refuse." helping a boy to put up the shutters. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, me have 200 pounds?' envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my this remarkable episode. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I wedding?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." nothing of it?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "But of what society?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the Friday. Was it to be in church?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and later, upon the night of May 2nd." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the tragedy. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the stones. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the ceiling. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This will be renamed. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his written. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything residence of the great financier. asked. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me happened." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of III. events than those which have happened in my own family." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a once more on the important position which you have been fortunate it right.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Proceed, then." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the stable lane now." "Texas, I think." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of could not have written that. It is the German who is so "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the peculiar to him. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from danger is over." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I think it very unlikely." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward emerged. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "But what harm can there be in that?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. what do you think they found in the pockets?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical vanished into the darkness. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he least a most suspicious remark." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Have you it here?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and hurried away. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and looked back. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." have had none more fantastic than this." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got served to weaken the effect. "Your French gold?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." clang of the bell. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed companion imperturbably. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the nursery. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Entirely." "And I to find an enemy."