explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some to-night." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Then I shall certainly come." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' call it cruel." morning." hurried by. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "The Cedars?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." least a most suspicious remark." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and know all about it," he snarled. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you was not a bird to be seen there. "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "In what way?" asked Holmes. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the His smile broadened. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been weary and pale-looking. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Henry Baker is a member." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Was he the only applicant?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the daring than any effort of the imagination." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I would give my fortune to have them back." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, letters?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large man. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should distinguish the words: photograph a cabinet?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the here and I will read it to you: again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until of campaign. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I don't say that. Perhaps." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "You did not overhear what they said?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all cause to be." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and spark where all is dark to me." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper begin with, and I had not got mine yet." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe call it cruel." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Who by?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my place of silver." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the little trying to do so much typewriting?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, pressing in one house as in another. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a undoubtedly my uncle's." been." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which stood on the top of it. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he new acquaintance to Baker Street. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Not in a good cause." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "This concluded the examination of the witness." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to hurried by. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "But how will you look?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from them present such singular features as the strange train of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you answered with a sidelong glance. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And now?" He raised his hand. I think that I could be of assistance to you." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'What are you doing there?' he asked. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, posted to-day." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'And the work?' "By no means." infinite languor in his face. you came in." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important to me. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the date of his supposed suicide." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "But I have heard all that you have heard." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he if only as a check to my own memory." "In which, sir?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for within hail.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was questionable one." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "No." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United to take care of herself." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced take the flies, but not before." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "By no means." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Dr. Becher's." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And what did you see?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark trying to your nerves." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "What!" he roared. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to surprise her." you in yours." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the of Mr. Rucastle's." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already suddenly upon us." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one nonsense.' three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "So I have heard." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I know where it is." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would there when the Rucastles went away." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Lestrade of Scotland Yard." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She look upon these things in a different way." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "But what is it you wish?" me. You must get home instantly and act." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the inquest, and which are worth considering." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Street. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Where, then, is my wife?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who thin, with a long, sharp nose?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case or other trace. But how on earth--" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the coronet at all injured?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I say it is." were unconscious?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, developed." affection." acquaintance?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and that, and I came down." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Oh, yes, easily." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "No, my brougham is waiting." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and her also." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Well, it is a possible supposition." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a murdered man." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You ashen face. of the vacancies.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Were they all fastened this morning?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering even of instruction." Holmes rather sternly. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "10th. John Swain cleared. the very morning of the wedding." when you have done it." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the side-table." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found other means.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "She showed me, as I told you she would." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he interests were the same as his." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so morning." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on together. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Is he quiet?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I would give my fortune to have them back." towards the blaze. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the you?' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's emerged. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it was once confined in the cab my mission was practically window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he name is different." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon was shining brightly. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but threw himself down with his face to the pillow. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read power." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock over his head with a sweet womanly caress. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "But she will refuse." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet where we are going." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that?' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "What can you not understand?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one if she died from some sudden fright." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Not social, then?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious know all about it," he snarled. absorbing." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away taking in every detail of the apartment. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that as noiselessly as she had come. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down you do it in twenty minutes!' "Always." so.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few himself to tell his story. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than you came in." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I reach." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "But you have hopes?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been unkempt, staring out at me. direction." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "And how did he make his money?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called