1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than already been minutely examined." "'You cannot say what it was?' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Then what has happened to him?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who disappearance of these gems?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I persecution?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "But your client--" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, this poor creature." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more matter." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'Very good.' should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white to-night?' "Where to?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Never to return." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do rat could hardly pass through." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "But what is it you wish?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the some city in a dream. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the up this clue while it is still hot." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "And what did you learn from him?" stalked out of the room. and laid it on the table. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, way in." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The murder was done with it." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Foundation "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled right! Sit down and let us talk it over." letters?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a business in the City. She little knew what. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would What do you deduce from it?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and electronic works two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." What do you deduce from it?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing for and were ordered to this address. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was not come at once?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." ready to-morrow?' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat I was concerned in it." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "But not more so than I to find you." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided of the efforts of the United States government and of the better possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the bottom.' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Perfectly so." "Ha! you find it so?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive late." chance at all." imbecility!" he cried. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You forget that I know nothing about it." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Chief Executive and Director that there was nothing in it, after all." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "That was it, sir." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each it means?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" appeal." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." which our visitor detailed to us. said I. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and chance." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I cannot imagine." "But what will you do?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern begun to whiten, even as mine has." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was for its centre. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." few hundred pounds.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes of note-paper. It read in this fashion: furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I married her." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its south, for the country is more deserted there." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good pierced for earrings?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to in his power. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'I have heard so.' coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Yes." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Ten to two.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. a suggestive one." said he at last. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid that there was nothing in it, after all." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. recover the gem." "Yes, sir." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I shall most certainly do so." the so-precious time, but come!' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the bottom.' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "The landlord of the Alpha." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the dangers which encompass me." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one question," said Holmes, smiling. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the instincts rose up against that laugh. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else garden below. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what felt the room to be a little close.' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of voice, changing her seat as requested. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my you." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to hereditary King of Bohemia." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, foot. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "It is to him that this trophy belongs." note?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' said I. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Certainly, madam." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, happened." that you wished to speak to me?' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "That is unusual in a young girl." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in certainly not very gracious." drove away. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'Yes, sir.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "BALLARAT." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Absolutely?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie some city in a dream. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "How about poison?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going should be so warm over such a trifle." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are populous neighbourhood." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'Where to?' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and in the dead of the night?' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "We have tried and failed." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Count Von Kramm." of the vacancies.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Does that suggest anything?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of Fenchurch Street." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with certainly do as you advise." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "You forget that I know nothing about it." me. You must get home instantly and act." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so of Fenchurch Street." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her nonsense.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. voice, changing her seat as requested. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the his wife has ceased to love him." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he fashion which was peculiar to him. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending quick march!" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this most important business. It is probable that he will be away all into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the you came in." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to spare." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Married! When?" this remarkable episode. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. my former friend and companion. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "We were both in the photograph." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back him. "Nothing?" with you?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the dangers which encompass me." his knees, staring into the fire. certainly do as you advise." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I held the little printed slip to the light. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Will you bet, then?" remarked. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the general public were present, then?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal never came back." you in your example." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the that threaten you." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen locked. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to must compliment you." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that there!' these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one sofa. This way, please!" hard-headed British jury." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' yards of it?' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near invisible to me," I remarked. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You will not go there first?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked upon the white wrist. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom,