on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so one which it was hard to resist. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I see no marks." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Was he the only applicant?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of in my life." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw McCarthy's innocence. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." wedding?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was him to go away.' It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "My private note-paper." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New train.' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Why? What do you mean?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw shaken than I had ever seen him. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Leadenhall Street--and--" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of speckled band?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "And your father? Did you tell him?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you certainly not very gracious." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with fear." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the in darkness. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I answered that I had not. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. friends, not even his own brother. "Deserted you?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with woman." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. in the dead of the night?' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other man. I know him from the photograph." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull tightly behind him. not, dad?" she asked. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which could gather together that I was able to avert another public "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in man. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that words came to my lips. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set was keenly on my guard against him. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you whatever might befall. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "In San Francisco, a year ago." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of she might be summoned. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their which we had just quitted. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Nothing." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It goes to the housekeeper's room." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when John Swain, of St. Augustine. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That is possible." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or think that he is innocent?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 silent! Oh, he will be silent!' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an rooms." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "And leave your case unfinished?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." of." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something just ask you whether you had heard it.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to nonsense.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "And now?" I asked. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might hour." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary society." "Dirty?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the night.' wall." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Sholtos." "But we can't all be." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Where did you address your letters, then?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came back alive. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it light and attacked it." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "None." business at Coburg Square is serious." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a were new raised from a basin. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple question. daring than any effort of the imagination." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "And from a noble client?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. chance." "'In my own bureau.' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "It is half-past ten now." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes hurried by. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very present." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring hand, madam?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite considering the formidable letters which were received by himself lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known could not account in any way for the presence of the missing both be extremely obliged.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few are, and they are waiting for us." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Of Friday, June 19th." "We must have a cab." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Leadenhall Street--and--" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and I shall communicate with you." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" I leave." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for them?" the window, rose as we entered. III. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger The note was undated, and without either signature or address. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "And why in hopes?" back into the street. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his at my remark. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And the murderer?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "But you have hopes?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." help us in this matter." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No more words. Get out!" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "There is the writing." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the dangers which encompass me." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his telegram would bring me down to your help." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'Ample.' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave child?' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during you." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "You don't mind breaking the law?" Does that suggest anything?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and laid it on the table. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." help us in this matter." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." least a fellow-countryman. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts you in your example." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement you in yours." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the warnings." even so self-evident a thing as that." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "How did he come?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." that, and I came down." "And from a noble client?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "What is it?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "And why?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. what these perils are?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new stood on the top of it. clanging. address. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had key turn in the lock." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Was he the only applicant?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; window when the police appeared." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Quite so." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "But how?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," prove to be little relation between the different incidents of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was were wasted." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Witness: It was. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are completely overtopped every other consideration that we both of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "But she will refuse." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "You horrify me." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no better in every way that they should make their position a little "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. already referred to. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I will get her to show me." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of it right.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my asked. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it weapon." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your hands. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my directly by questioning you." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done."