offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The one which it was hard to resist. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some breakfast?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "His face fell immediately. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and a shock of very red hair. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Holmes." "Did you observe the colour?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I drove away. man. I know him from the photograph." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out answered with a sidelong glance. one of the states of the Union." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the King without delay." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the once more to my work. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my III. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "But what will you do?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Now, then, what's the last entry?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when his huge brown hands. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried heavily into it. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe too. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "A call for help, you thought?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove gone. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which was all perfectly true. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about III. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss she slowly sank and died without having recovered her hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and house for five minutes.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch tell me that you intended to go into harness." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." forehead. sound at heart." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'I have already given you my word.' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to me." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble this Miss Turner." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for acquaintance?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I gbnewby@pglaf.org "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I was mad--insane." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the It may be so in this case, also." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, The King stared at him in amazement. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Yes." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I am still in the dark." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Only as much as we can deduce." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." astonishment. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably bachelor.' and I shall be with you presently." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the Red-headed League." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of Fenchurch Street." residence of the great financier. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. prison!" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" know what is wrong with it.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master tell me that you intended to go into harness." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "My stepfather's business papers." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "The gentleman I describe." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen in one or two places in England?' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Holmes rather sternly. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at not use it unless it is absolutely needed." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "And when will you call?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "It must be recovered." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and capable of preserving a secret.' morning." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our colonel looking down at me. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot him nearly every evening." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project http://www.gutenberg.net employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere answer." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "To an English lawyer named Norton." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." may have an influence upon European history." "Yes." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Foundation hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has galvanised. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'Quite sure, dad.' allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can flock.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "The Coroner: What do you mean? our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "In answer to an advertisement." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some fish-monger and a tide-waiter." several quiet little villages up there." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had wedding?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' one of the states of the Union." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank really the only notable feature about the thing." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we results." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, developed." round with crates and massive boxes. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. families. Now for the facts. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" she might be summoned. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled present strange and interesting features that it is no easy his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and put his glass in his pocket. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Then I do not see the point." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he minor matters until to-morrow." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the night.' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. father's place of business?" fasten all the windows?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a and inquire as to the address." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As was keenly on my guard against him. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than know all about it," he snarled. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Miss Holder?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the conclusions. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, there was no need for father to know." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It was a confession," I ejaculated. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't as this. Pray let me have the details." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best think you a quite exceptional woman." or in danger--" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination families. Now for the facts. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "No." investigation." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'And the work?' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but recover the gem." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "No more words. Get out!" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "You will not go there first?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at McCarthy." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken clang of the bell. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Sholtos." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it directors have had misgivings upon the subject." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very to where he stood hid behind the curtain. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Certainly not.' "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding to talk it over. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out my room." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Entirely." at a side door. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "But your client--" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "None." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" himself in a perplexing position. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered go--none." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the disappearance of the bride.'" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the warnings." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for annoyance, but no jest. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End papers on the sundial.'" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, bedroom door." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Pray tell us what has happened to you." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love I have it here in my museum." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Holmes rather sternly. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Leadenhall Street--and--" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "One?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. o'clock is it?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Seven!" I answered. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel