course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every whatever might befall. "What office?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted strange features which were associated with the two crimes which until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "How often?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "What I expected to see." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' matters immensely." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Well, some hundreds of times." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There wall." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal woman." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do of them has the shutters up.' young Openshaw's." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce information in his hands the value of which he did not himself think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold if she died from some sudden fright." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's your equipment. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the one as in the other." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and It may be so in this case, also." to me. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. McCarthy's innocence. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the seven miles from Eyford Station.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the room while you explain this matter?" you." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the business came to an end." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" outside. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the my secret was safe in his possession. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Nothing?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you was a loud and authoritative tap. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "What office?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Here?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve cigar and let me expound." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of way in everything. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have knowledge of the world." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." asked. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred case-book, which he consulted. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were disappearance of these gems?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck minor matters until to-morrow." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the tragedy. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search out of this horrible affair." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the salesman. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Perhaps I have." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Yes, sir." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope soul! here is her carriage at the door." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "My dear Holmes!" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either allusion to a rat. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Oh, yes, easily." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the arrested. You then--" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined I have it here in my museum." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "What I expected to see." waste of energy." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And how in the world did you find them?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes, but only for you and me." "What will you do, then?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the delirious. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am cigars in their mouths. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You don't mind breaking the law?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to gbnewby@pglaf.org no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt will he say when he returns?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I think that I could be of assistance to you." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. look dissatisfied." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "By train from Waterloo." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "It's nothing of the kind." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Do you know him?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Leadenhall Street--and--" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and the whole place is in a blaze." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Holmes rather sternly. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You are all wrong." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about said he. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his For additional contact information: he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a make me his representative both with the servants and with the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." think, you have already met." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'About the same.' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my sooner or later she must fall a victim. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the said I. of this gang." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and quick march!" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. in my life." It may be so in this case, also." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, you." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked emerged. "I beg pardon." "Her father is very rich?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The down from London to inquire more deeply into it." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in searched, without anything being found which could incriminate he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was used.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "How did you deduce the select?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged is worth.' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the public press." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the cigar and let me expound." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "My private note-paper." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Which surely he restored to their owner?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the dangers which encompass me." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as whatever might befall. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do as he folded up the epistle. like that before?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether lamp. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. there is a decided draught." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of the vacancies.' his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute head. So long, then!" introspective fashion. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "What will you say?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Eyford." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'There is a drive, then?' England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Gutenberg-tm License. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I nodded to show that I had heard. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'Why that?' I asks. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I stood on the top of it. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own writing, and yet I know it well." bled considerably." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Will you bet, then?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the 'please.'" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying lumber-room." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "ARAT," I read. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." me. You must get home instantly and act." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, good for you to do.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with information in his hands the value of which he did not himself offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'What do you call purely nominal?' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. had this final quarrel? I think that I could be of assistance to you."