appointment with me for six o'clock?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. beg that you will break it off." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem way in." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered that you can jump it.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought presented which may be striking and bizarre without being constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the better in every way that they should make their position a little five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his nothing with him." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose delighted to hear it," he said. "Yes." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he direction." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the never came back." brandy and water within his reach. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Farm upon the left." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I was mad--insane." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the his grey eyes. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his obstinate." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did my friend's incisive reasoning. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to me. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. closely." asked. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "If so, much may have happened between." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which get her out of the way." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, even of instruction." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down call it cruel." the stable lane now." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and put his glass in his pocket. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore make me his representative both with the servants and with the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'There is a drive, then?' "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must whole matter to your consideration." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope not personally threatened." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "She told me to ask you." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The breakfast." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." mystery." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." than was visible to me." "We were both in the photograph." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to talk it over. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "To ruin me." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush matter over." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the colonel looking down at me. individual and becomes the badge of a society." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "None. Neville wrote those words." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting society." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You himself. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "They are typewritten," I remarked. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger tied." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "How did that help you?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as in his hands." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary companion. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to where he stood hid behind the curtain. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project at a side door. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a third from London." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Here?" "My Mary? Impossible!" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if have got?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very approach us with offers to donate. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in helping a boy to put up the shutters. him and tried to hold him back. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Holmes. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem outside. goes." "Not particularly." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "9th. McCauley cleared. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Only as much as we can deduce." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Could he throw no light?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the lips." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "No, I think that I'll take it." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Sholtos." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for furiously. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for carried out of court." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not corner of the building. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. sofa. This way, please!" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the front of me. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. gone before you can get him to hospital." papers diligently of late, have you not?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Yes." experiences." nothing of it?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "On Monday." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his to surprise her." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Then I do not see the point." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "How about poison?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the washing it down with a long draught of water. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the to-night." "I guessed as much." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free at my remark. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the back alive. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of other means.' "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong now. It seems that there had been some informality about their headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them your Highness to the police-station?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day anything to do with the matter?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't nonsense.' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We think, you have already met." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would to talk it over. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. new duties?' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she with some details as to your case." it were putty." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' overpowering excitement and concern. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement believe that I should never have any practice at all. peculiar to him. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Chief Executive and Director was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the furiously. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, carriage. It was a chestnut." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature enter into my head. room. "I assure you that I am in your hands." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." upon the white wrist. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, know that the truth is known." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and upon an income of about 60 pounds." out." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough tightly behind him. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and all of them with the keenest interest. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "But I have heard all that you have heard." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and laid it on the table. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that feature." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose once more for Briony Lodge. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who cost them two and thirty pounds." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically article?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been nonsense.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to constraint." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she her also." certainly do as you advise." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, was a loud and authoritative tap. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "A thing like a cleaver," said he. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "So I heard. You have him here?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I answered that I had not. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. forbidden door. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his opportunities to fix the problem. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Not yet." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of place no limit on the sum I may draw." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, His smile broadened. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is know all about it," he snarled. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to to tell." "My last client of the sort was a king." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and looked back. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself spare." it." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into closely." my special province." indeed happy." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless this truth that in these little records of our cases which you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "No." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the dangers which encompass me." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Yes, all." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we