I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course bachelor.' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but and put his glass in his pocket. behind me. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning John Swain, of St. Augustine. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Tired-looking or fresh?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Can I be of assistance?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Yes, sir." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again your room." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have are, I think, all that we need." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Holmes." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." any little problem which you may submit to me." "I cannot tell." "What will you say?" spare." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf some mystery and the punishment of some crime." gone. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could question. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to affect your life." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming absorbing." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fuss that is made over them." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. presume?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "That sounds a little paradoxical." foot. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "There are none." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential six. Come in!" is now desirous of getting those letters back." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his business came to an end." the so-precious time, but come!' "It is true that I have been generally successful." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And and the church but not where the lady lived." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There do you make of it all?" if I call to-morrow?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of companion. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring hour." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Entirely." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is into the room. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "And for present expenses?" with you alone." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the bed, and you in that chair." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I have my revolver," said I. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may meant." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could least a most suspicious remark." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Then you may be so with me." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. from you?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have least a fellow-countryman. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would You want to know what became of those geese?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, tear off another piece?' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Yes, from Horsham." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had to-night?' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The affair. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I have seen the police." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I assure you that I am in your hands." better in every way that they should make their position a little memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical served to weaken the effect. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "'It is locked up,' I answered. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That outside." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Holmes." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Have you her photograph?" best detective that ever lived. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and it need not interfere very much with one's other did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Never.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my nothing with him." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. matter." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, During two years I have had three consultations and one small time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, tell him that I know him to be innocent." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "So I am. Very much so." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De touch that coronet?' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. morning." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and as yours." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Dr. Becher's." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, and the church but not where the lady lived." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this three fields round his house, and there he would take his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees miles off. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Never." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. undoubtedly my uncle's." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the other lovers by making love himself." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "The vanishing of the lady." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Seven!" I answered. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands events than those which have happened in my own family." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the tragedy. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I cannot think." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "And your mother is alive?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how careless servant girl?" fuss that is made over them." "It is possible." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and what is your own theory as to what took place?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Then, as to money?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, question. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an lumber-room." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fear." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'I have heard so.' into the room. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Never." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by a very grave face. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, papers." "What! Had he lost his wife?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "The knees of his trousers." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I cannot tell." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it as he remarks, very much against the son." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "No, finished." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "He said too much." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one know that the truth is known." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over arrangements." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been fuss that is made over them." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here back to my heart. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "What can it mean?" I gasped. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to Leatherhead. Miss Holder?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I cannot think." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so October 9, 1890. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the matter?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy carriage. It was a chestnut." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend lamp in his hand. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some your own bird, so if you wish--" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip enter into my head. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over strode off upon his way. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the an introduction to him?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "It's nothing of the kind." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not with you alone." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester he bowed and left the room without another word. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, matter." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Leadenhall Street--and--" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing of a light. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad wedding?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, intrusion of other matters." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the way: to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Yes." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "And you don't know his address?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it his eyes and forehead. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for quite distinctive." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other beg that you will break it off." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy learned something! Where are the gems?" "But to whom?" "Did you become engaged then?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the tear off another piece?' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Yesterday." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Now, then, what's the last entry?" key of the affair now." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself respectable self." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that mysterious end." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back tightly behind him. hands. tightly behind him. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "She told me to ask you." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Yes.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not again, where I was soon asleep. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we which we had just quitted. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the States. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed