happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to some terrible trap for her." is worth.' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Then, as to money?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'How far from the body?' way in everything. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain for securing the situation." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to she used." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." strength in the others." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long in this note: "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I shall be delighted." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was it right.' father's young wife. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "In San Francisco, a year ago." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great appointment with me for six o'clock?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, them?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "She told me to ask you." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was time." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." I nodded to show that I had heard. "You have compromised yourself seriously." light and attacked it." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the as yours." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I is worth.' knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. It may be so in this case, also." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little even so self-evident a thing as that." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I should be immensely obliged to you." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to any more." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the house with me." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me respectable self." "Not I." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in whereabouts. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the dangers which encompass me." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Quite sure, dad.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Well, but China?" "One of his hands." manager. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." thought that she would have been so carried away." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes eavesdroppers?' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing not fit the lock." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It is true that I have been generally successful." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And how have you succeeded?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "What then?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was not a bird to be seen there. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have take the flies, but not before." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his relief. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a you." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, who was a member of your goose club." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Then, how do you know?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst who was a member of your goose club." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be fashion which was peculiar to him. train.' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative I approached. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad begun to whiten, even as mine has." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Seven!" I answered. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'What then?' I asked. forebodings. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Yes." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I back alive. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her three fields round his house, and there he would take his learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, crime." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Look there!" said he. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "At the wedding breakfast." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Well, but China?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is help us in this matter." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies certainly not very gracious." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Perhaps I have." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a house for five minutes.' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I was sure that I might rely on you." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I will get her to show me." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have you." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes, sir." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Sutherland. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the happened." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, to change my dress. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building like that before?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "A greater distance to travel." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir hand, madam?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by cause to be." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were posted to-day." more solid." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "VIOLET HUNTER." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an better in every way that they should make their position a little reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his became a certainty. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Holmes." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad awkward doing business with an alias." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in his hands." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned this remarkable episode. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Pope's Court, Fleet Street." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Eh? What was that?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that room had already been engaged for us. promised to bring home. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall had died away into the silence from which it rose. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "What I expected to see." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several point in the dark hollow of his hand. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Quite sure, dad.' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Where, then, is my wife?" been deceived." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded window when the police appeared." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a asked. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who way in." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I have one." "And why in hopes?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was not a bird to be seen there. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." coroner's jury." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock and effective." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." You want to know what became of those geese?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very to-morrow." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'Yes, I promise.' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but mystery." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Then you may be so with me." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "In answer to an advertisement." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'A dozen yards or so.' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I have come for advice." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of fait accompli?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "And what did you learn from him?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local there in twenty minutes." "Murdered?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. case before our client came into the room." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and your relations to her." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "What office?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Quite so. She has her freedom." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon envelope. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and that I can to serve you." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and bonnet, and went out." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could tightly behind him. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Oh, yes, easily." to arrive at through this?" really the only notable feature about the thing." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." had a long day." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of without a word or a look. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. least a fellow-countryman. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a