hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any quickly through a disagreeable task. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do business." "Was the window open?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Well, but China?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to second window is the one that I jumped from." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Never." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. unkempt, staring out at me. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was possible that we could bring him back to her? a room. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which rooms." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I cannot tell." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "But who is he?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "The vanishing of the lady." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Where is it, then?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'What would be the hours?' I asked. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. been with you?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly closing the door. occurred." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable me, and I could not think that his explanation of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two held up the lantern and gazed about him. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something public press." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof I took the paper from him and read as follows: family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "What will you say?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in humiliation." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Holmes' room. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, wife's character?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in retorted upon me, and I on you." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by system of imprisonment?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark entirely devoid of interest." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for your equipment. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The This is what he says: blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "By all means." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he fat-encircled eyes. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To upon the white wrist. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to help us in this matter." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah yet." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Of what?" you came in." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though approach us with offers to donate. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "No." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man behind me. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "To the police?" into the bag, and made for the door. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that you can jump it.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had which I could not give. He asked for Alice. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. showing my impatience. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Pray continue your narrative." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you License. You must require such a user to return or other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project murdered man." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Always." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I shall continue with my miserable story. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the acquaintance?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Stoke Moran." "It is his hat." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Won't it ring?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, hurried away. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "A confidential servant?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his business matters.' rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for outside." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point had this final quarrel? down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at answered with a sidelong glance. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on success. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and wait." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may relation between them, and what the object of his repeated room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' shaken than I had ever seen him. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against in a very precise fashion." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us you give your casting vote to?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the at once, for I have only half an hour." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "My own seal." "Very much so." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found and have this put in the evening papers." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after laugh and put his lips to my ear. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Can I be of assistance?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I that you wished to speak to me?' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to key turn in the lock." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "You heard nothing yourself last night?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "The knees of his trousers." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the side-table." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And how did you verify them?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes, sir." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "No legal papers or certificates?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From not interfere, come what may. You understand?" of the way of danger. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal presume?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be there were so many in the whole country as were brought together and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so about here speaks of his kindness to him." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "She will not sell." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her he bowed and left the room without another word. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "10th. John Swain cleared. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we shall not find me ungrateful." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." is four-and-twenty." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "And now?" I asked. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." yet." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. which it had come upon my father." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "No." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been at my own good fortune. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I think it very unlikely." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with sit on the left-hand side of the driver." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but he. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great when you have done it." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And why?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" through." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It must be recovered." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up you?' "'About the same.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue hair?' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I should wish to." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Watson," he said cordially. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as if she died from some sudden fright." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to-night." "You were travelling in the States?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "None." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door himself to hunt down. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Upon what point?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Mary, has deserted me." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, other means.' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window a room. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Was he the only applicant?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Entirely." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would key turn in the lock." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. interested in these little problems, and since you are good Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the call for it in person on Monday morning.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by sooner or later she must fall a victim. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire,