"Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'It is locked up,' I answered. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the matter." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my against a man in the prime of life?" take the flies, but not before." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one correct than the official force." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of away into the river." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so of Fenchurch Street." future lives." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope had picked up in the wood. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be meanly of me." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked pound a week." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the loss of it. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That trying to your nerves." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to village inn over there?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said into her hand at the door and which lured her within their submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional astonishment. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must so.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon charge against him will break down." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I would give my fortune to have them back." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." about. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and put his glass in his pocket. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Awake, Watson?" he asked. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. happened." said he. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. man. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in the port of London." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, are windows in it, of course?" most interesting one." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon looking up at the numbers of the houses." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'Yes.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, remarked. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you empty. "Well?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I have solved it." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "But your client--" for and were ordered to this address. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Yes." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "What! Had he lost his wife?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away business at Coburg Square is serious." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Not in a good cause." throat." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project prepare for the new role I have to play." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a had formerly been in part my own. "And I say east," said my patient. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Yes, that is the Crown." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that sofa. This way, please!" the Assizes." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was mystery!" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his entirely devoid of interest." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite fear." "Did he not advertise?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had this unhappy family?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "You heard nothing yourself last night?" look upon these things in a different way." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The there!' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "So it appears." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I companion. attention." tell them apart.' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, to surprise her." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Yes." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. gives a meaning to it." occupations.' "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I guessed as much." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only directors, with the result that you have seen." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you was a lad." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" shall use the carriage to-night." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "It missed him, then?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is had this final quarrel? Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running despair." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Yes." Street. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this me where it went to?" "I do." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "No, I think that I'll take it." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the writing, and yet I know it well." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. my little problems." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Well?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I say it is." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "The decline of his fortunes, then?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But I have heard all that you have heard." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I was mad--insane." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible searched, without anything being found which could incriminate that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers at my remark. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it you, my dear young lady?' which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for will he say when he returns?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes address. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to would then never go into court at all." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Then, as to money?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "You forget that I know nothing about it." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'How far from the body?' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these said Mr. Holder. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR sparkled upon his finger. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was invisible to me," I remarked. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I should wish to." "In answer to an advertisement." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Where did you address your letters, then?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I see many objections to any such theory." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Breckinridge is his name." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Which are?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them less than 26s. 4d. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by sufficient punishment." "It was." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have to-night." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy drove away. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." affection." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no retorted upon me, and I on you." "Come in!" said he. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then, how do you know?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other chambers. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen even of instruction." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "But to whom?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable him nearly every evening." presented more singular features than that which was associated I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, chamber." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If fishes. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view other means.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It You can understand that this register and diary may implicate far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down call you and give you the chance." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; sake, don't!" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his never will be, entirely cleared up. gone. astonishment. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the matter?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he used to be." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Bought." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the business." "Did you become engaged then?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Well?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with from the brougham. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I