"No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of some terrible trap for her." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small morning." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long shaken than I had ever seen him. of." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "What! a murderous attack?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of legal crime." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of arrested. You then--" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I towards the blaze. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that coroner's jury." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "How many? I don't know." "His face fell immediately. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up like that before?" "Very. But will he see it?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was o'clock is it?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would occupations.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I have my revolver," said I. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I fear not." "It was an hour's good drive." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "That sounds a little paradoxical." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before followed. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. my friend's incisive reasoning. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Here?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his breakfast." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. me. You must get home instantly and act." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" formed some opinion?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I think it very unlikely." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me that you can jump it.' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "She walked into the breakfast-room." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but key of the affair now." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as corner of the building. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help returning from some small jollification and was making his way bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. tell me that you intended to go into harness." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for to arrive at through this?" "That is possible." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "But the mystery?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I was mad--insane." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at you?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you less than 26s. 4d. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for helping a boy to put up the shutters. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "It was an hour's good drive." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "You will not go there first?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and inquire as to the address." crackling voice. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I for its centre. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have young Openshaw's." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. him to go away.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "When did she vanish, then?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Doctor, of the paper and the date." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would point our research must commence, and we will begin it by wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "And how did you verify them?" within hail.' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "It is true that I have been generally successful." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for strange features which were associated with the two crimes which every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear was used.' the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and constraint." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "'Where could I find him?' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his noble correspondent could be. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." this man was intellectual?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and observed. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is at my remark. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of conceal it?" "There are none." read it out to me." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew sooner or later she must fall a victim. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I am armed." lumber-room." "But it has twice been burgled." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but case before our client came into the room." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the remarked. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "But of what society?" the date of his supposed suicide." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are fishes. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the bed, and you in that chair." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, he died? "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I should wish to." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to business?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "What then?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his think that any burglar could have done. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so tail." "I would pay ten." question. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the have established a very serious case against the son of the daring than any effort of the imagination." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "But how will you look?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood imbecility!" he cried. "My stepfather's business papers." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. crime." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the child." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into yourselves in at night?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the yourselves in at night?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in wedding?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the stepfather?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Dr. Becher's." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and shall probably return to London by the evening train." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather business matters.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten call for protection in the marriage market, for the present go--none." "An enemy?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "The knees of his trousers." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I mystery." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss are, I think, all that we need." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United towards the blaze. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an directly by questioning you." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to south, for the country is more deserted there." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, think, you have already met." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw clanging. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; signal between you and your father? "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. your equipment. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the address. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Yes." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "To the police?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear some place of shelter and let the county police know what has bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted written, and locked the door of the office after me. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Arthur Conan Doyle of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." been deceived." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. them present such singular features as the strange train of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and the whole place is in a blaze." even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the have one." promised to bring home. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that what I may call a really hard day's work." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Ah!" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I am about to be married." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque carpenter." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece some terrible trap for her." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. them, and came down just as you departed. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then humiliation." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced noise which awoke you from your sleep?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Your presence might be invaluable." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke see a sister of mine apply for." all that?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Upon what point?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Sutherland?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my maid will bring up your coffee." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you question. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "And the murderer?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see not fit the lock." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "So I heard. You have him here?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper unkempt, staring out at me. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you it? Did I buy the geese off you?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission