should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "It's nothing of the kind." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I promise," said Holmes. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Dr. Gregory B. Newby "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Certainly, madam." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding companion. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; events than those which have happened in my own family." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he disturbance in my wife." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if unprecedented a position." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "And it is--" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Why? What do you mean?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he to surprise her." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his your most interesting statement." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "But how did you gain them?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to have that photograph." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I will try. What is it?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the bed, and you in that chair." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. guilty one." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "But we can't all be." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the window, rose as we entered. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long have established a very serious case against the son of the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Then what has happened to him?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then in his power. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "And you thought he was pulled back?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your started for the Temple to see my husband. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was skylight. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Holmes, the busybody!" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A disappearance of these gems?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." works. See paragraph 1.E below. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "At half-wages, in fact." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran could gather together that I was able to avert another public "But his lameness?" said he. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I came to find a friend." it." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an where Mr. Fordham shows you.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Then he might have called to you?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that examine." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, help us in this matter." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both as yours." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah not personally threatened." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, despair." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a rat could hardly pass through." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. our word." "But what is it you wish?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." that you saw all that I did." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, results." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is was keenly on my guard against him. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "And now?" I asked. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards unprecedented a position." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of never to learn it at all." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and bell. Holmes whistled. gone. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when quickly through a disagreeable task. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Murdered?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Clair, of Lee." is," said he presently: stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "And the cigar-holder?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "My stepfather's business papers." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns question. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such outside." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Yes." cigar and let me expound." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Where is it, then?" would apply.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. thirty. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I go back?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Oh, yes, easily." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered child?' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass I. cost them two and thirty pounds." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Why did you beat the pavement?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "So I have heard." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough works. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "What is it, then--a fire?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, over part of the map. "What do you read?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's as this. Pray let me have the details." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Holmes' room. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Quite so." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my was a perfect sample of the class. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Where is it, then?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. digesting their breakfasts at home." obstinate." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "No." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge absorbing." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? tension within him. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not who was a member of your goose club." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the introspective fashion. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in the dead of the night?' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I have a cab outside." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "On your arm?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I am following you closely," I answered. corner of the building. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that possible that we could bring him back to her? this as likely?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I know where it is." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is here and I will read it to you: bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Pray be precise as to details," said he. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey dear old homesteads?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations humiliation." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the recover the gem." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to new acquaintance to Baker Street. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of tell me that you intended to go into harness." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has giving me time to thank him. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we returned to France?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building said I. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." better grown goose." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." rat could hardly pass through." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just of his shoulders. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had that Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of his wife has ceased to love him." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "How did you deduce the select?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual companion. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Munro.' occupations.' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun never will be, entirely cleared up. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" copied or distributed: derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting promised to bring home. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the Red-headed League." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you intrusion of other matters." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Do you know him?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "It is possible." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "An enemy?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes.