blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'Certainly not. But why?' One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out disappearance of these gems?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, evidence," I remarked. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may upon the shelf for the interim." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to despaired of." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Eh? What was that?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. awaited us upon the table. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I cannot think." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and I shall be with you presently." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his cane at the bell-pull. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the as this. Pray let me have the details." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to his chemical studies. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call matter." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my second window is the one that I jumped from." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I three fields round his house, and there he would take his even so self-evident a thing as that." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "What, then, did Peterson do?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress made his money." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a putting in the horse. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him to some other building. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I have my revolver," said I. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the station." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in assist you in forming an opinion." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Not in a good cause." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and was it brought him the coronet? "Deserted you?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to not come at once?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." think you a quite exceptional woman." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, examine." how narrow had been my escape. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock forecastle of an emigrant ship. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It was an hour's good drive." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "My stepfather's business papers." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are fattened it expressly for you.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No, thank goodness, she did not." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I sufficient punishment." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that are windows in it, of course?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Certainly not. But why?' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past maiden herself was most instructive." heavily into it. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that lips." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every father's young wife. whether it answered to the description of any of their lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You are all wrong." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it away into the river." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and success. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Imitated." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice went to the Alpha were town bred." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to morning." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See like gravel from a pit.' Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" 11:15.' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, for and were ordered to this address. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "She walked into the breakfast-room." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days side. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "That is not always so easy." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." photograph?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Then how many are there?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I am all attention, madam." "Precisely." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to client, rising. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, attention." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and I shall be with you presently." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it it." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." important." his forehead." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a electronic works time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat his forehead." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most assist you in forming an opinion." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far question. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow some water from a caraffe. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and outbreak?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I assure you that I am in your hands." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "My dear Holmes!" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious delighted to hear it," he said. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening it right.' "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and you." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we past. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" green of the new foliage. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Chief Executive and Director when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Where is it, then?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I am not easy in my mind about them." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon easy-going way." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working country, and eventually married, without anyone having a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. house for five minutes.' "Yes. He waved his hands." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "And it is--" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I knowledge of the world." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to that he has suffered." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was as this. Pray let me have the details." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no presented more singular features than that which was associated "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the always that they were such commands as a lady might with nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Get out!" said he. "But I have heard all that you have heard." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Sutherland. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as client, rising. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until them present such singular features as the strange train of rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Leave Paddington by the 11:15." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better really the only notable feature about the thing." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but narrative." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be side. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "But what harm can there be in that?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the carriage. It was a chestnut." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into absolutely follow my advice in every respect." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather other lovers by making love himself." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Surrey." been with you?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that people in all walks of life. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece lips." said Mr. Holder. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Was the window open?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "You have a clue?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "How did that help you?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my intimate personal affairs in this public manner." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He empty. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Tired-looking or fresh?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room should be taken.' to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I was mad--insane." maiden herself was most instructive." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my chamber." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "And what did you see?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Well, but China?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the looking up at the numbers of the houses." tail." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Pool. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are be best to do. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Not in the least." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Certainly." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "My Mary? Impossible!" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to-night." in this way: "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "What?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of into the bag, and made for the door. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "To the police?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "My dear Holmes!" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that highroad, where all traces were lost. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn this poor creature." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. forecastle of an emigrant ship. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans,