not as remarkable as your advertisement." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper think that any burglar could have done. nothing with him." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a mystery." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was lamp. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I shall be delighted." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love get the tickets." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the running down." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." to have been novel and of interest." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I have a cab outside." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to there!' grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which second window is the one that I jumped from." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the tapping his fingers upon the table. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Did you observe the colour?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." man. I know him from the photograph." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the started for the Temple to see my husband. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner was already answered. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." redistribution. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "They are typewritten," I remarked. unclasping of his long thin hands. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "None." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "That you are never beaten." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. fasten all the windows?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be chair. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed in the dead of the night?' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Will you go?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of his shoulders. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Then I am your man." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; in the hope of finding them." bled considerably." "Eh? What was that?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "And when will you call?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and effective." "'Ten to two.' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the in his hands." up this clue while it is still hot." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was strength." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I think that I could be of assistance to you." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, noble correspondent could be. matter." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." which are rolled in Rotterdam." an introduction to him?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father murdered man." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." you do it in twenty minutes!' there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of noting anything else of interest. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "The landlord of the Alpha." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always know what is wrong with it.' straighten it?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue them, and came down just as you departed. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which matter over." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told weighed down with some great anxiety. strode off upon his way. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Never." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's a very grave face. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I cannot imagine." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining second." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, see me here to avoid scandal." "This concluded the examination of the witness." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been narrative." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Did you become engaged then?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey allusion to a rat. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had pierced for earrings?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most who was a member of your goose club." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said writer." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Yes." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "But your client--" narrative." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help bed dies. Does not that strike you?" fattened it expressly for you.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, as yours." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not individual and becomes the badge of a society." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You are all wrong." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to your only hope of safety." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "What, then?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps details." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "My opinion is in no way altered." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One cheerful." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: matter." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the are, I think, all that we need." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was more terrible than the truth. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and results." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I breakfast?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion within hail.' "She told me to ask you." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us be sorry for having acted so harshly." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental in his power. "Nothing." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Mary, has deserted me." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'And the work?' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "You are all wrong." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Could he throw no light?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his this unhappy family?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "You think so, too?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" someone who had been in Australia." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'In my own bureau.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we followed. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND it right.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, as he remarks, very much against the son." yards of it?' wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with thin, with a long, sharp nose?" It may be so in this case, also." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an distinguish the words: have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with enter Dr. Roylott's room." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every was a lad." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I am to be neutral?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "What have you to say now?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small through." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She room had already been engaged for us. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "I was afraid that you were engaged." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as to-night." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" that?' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the gone. derbies." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an bare slabs of marble. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "And sit in the dark?" "There is the writing." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay persecution?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "A confidential servant?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes father's place of business?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of strong reason behind." "But you have hopes?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. business?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." did not hear it also.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which behind me. he. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are even so self-evident a thing as that." grasp, he hurried from the room. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and you understand?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as of." "I shall most certainly do so." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'Yes, sir.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical little adventures." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "No." "Has he come with you to-night?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in the hope of finding them." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Why did you pick him?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to my former friend and companion. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical hardly wander." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies indeed happy." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain