the window, rose as we entered. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Then I can wait in the next room." and wait." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the ceiling. then?" "Yes, from Horsham." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "But who is he?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" with the outside air!" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Precisely so. But how--" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very such person." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "So I am. Very much so." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by cheerful." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "And leave your case unfinished?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "What shall I do?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a that, and I came down." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was three of the beryls in it, was missing. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "They are typewritten," I remarked. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "How did he come?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the child." "Yes." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It is very kind of you." "Then the page we have seen--" you." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I have my revolver," said I. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." results." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the roots. "Yes." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare followed. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of the vacancies.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "A call for help, you thought?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. chance at all." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were gone before you can get him to hospital." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some papers on the sundial.'" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. this as likely?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Why? What do you mean?" felt?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the inquest, and which are worth considering." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Not in a good cause." "I am about to be married." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "What is it?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'You cannot say what it was?' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "One of his hands." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Dark enough and sinister enough." maid will bring up your coffee." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Then, as to money?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said for securing the situation." pictures, libraries, or plate. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "My stepfather's business papers." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "When did it break out?" roused himself from his reverie. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, nonsense.' "Have you it here?" "'Why that?' I asks. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he wedding?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of in one or two places in England?' "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one fluttered off among the others. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." I. look dissatisfied." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Do you go out much in society?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want was a perfect sample of the class. closely." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out me." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a instituted." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Deserted you?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit individual and becomes the badge of a society." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in flock.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, feature." depend upon my doing so.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, over here." business at Coburg Square is serious." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work confronted him. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. morning." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "No more words. Get out!" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and that he would see to anything that turned up. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than you for a few hours?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Get out!" said he. out." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate him!" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Then how many are there?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Ten will be early enough." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents IS he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I think that it is very probable." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Why serious?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Not at all. I only doubt--' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant wife's character?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'Yes, sir.' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." again." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the one as in the other." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Yes." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Dr. Becher's." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the driver. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his II. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "What!" he roared. conceal it?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a highly," said Holmes. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would memory. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address yet." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Not him." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the we went to search for him, face downward in a little in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to for its centre. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before second window is the one that I jumped from." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I will get her to show me." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of cheerful." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By national property. I was determined that the law should have its "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and the colonel ushered me in. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" for and were ordered to this address. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the that he has suffered." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural he bowed and left the room without another word. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which mysterious business." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a written, and locked the door of the office after me. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be retorted upon me, and I on you." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but call for protection in the marriage market, for the present applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and that he would see to anything that turned up. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes, it was twisted." villagers almost as much as their master. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Well, but China?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'And the work?' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to said Mr. Holder. straighten it?" "And for present expenses?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the again on its way. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the good for you to do.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a This is what he says: A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Why, what do you mean?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into her hand at the door and which lured her within their it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your I shall continue with my miserable story. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "No, I am descending." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I cannot as yet see any connection." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he strode off upon his way. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "How did that help you?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. of." "Stolen, then." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the with you alone." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the devil!" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer.