a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You have compromised yourself seriously." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the station." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Holmes rather sternly. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting brain must have something in it." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'What, the red-headed man?' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Yes, it was twisted." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, companion quietly. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his was not a bird to be seen there. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my voice. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "You were travelling in the States?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how to you." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could fasten all the windows?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Very murderous indeed." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I say that I have solved it." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots crime." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "What have you to say now?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your conversation I have gathered that they have been married about him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Not in a good cause." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be interests were the same as his." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "But not more so than I to find you." have established a very serious case against the son of the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." your bag." "'Never.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing him and tried to hold him back. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his tapping his fingers upon the table. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "What then?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke of his shoulders. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "And how in the world did you find them?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how like that before?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning upon an income of about 60 pounds." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Your presence might be invaluable." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the King without delay." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is constraint." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right be.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle in a very precise fashion." "I say that I have solved it." "My dear Holmes!" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the so-precious time, but come!' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. was lame." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to least a most suspicious remark." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Really! You surprise me." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such key of the affair now." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a article?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'I have heard so.' number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came get the tickets." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and to tell." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope written. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "My last client of the sort was a king." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was quickly through a disagreeable task. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "By no means." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the south-west, I see." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to presume?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Bought." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." if only as a check to my own memory." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Ten will be early enough." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "'And the work?' coroner's jury." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, papers must be those that are destroyed.' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the electronic works bell. Holmes whistled. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since companion quietly. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the you want, then?' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "An enemy?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "And why in hopes?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB exactly what you advise." "From his hat?" whole matter to your consideration." "The Cedars?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his photograph?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too returned to France?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant becomes even more simple." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I am sure." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with lumber-room." learned something! Where are the gems?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was not as remarkable as your advertisement." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the night.' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste situation." "'Yes, I promise.' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" way in." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and that he would see to anything that turned up. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can formed some opinion?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "What of the rat, then?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper might have a private word with us. to Leatherhead. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Not in a good cause." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations waste of energy." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." again on its way. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. invisible to me," I remarked. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her comes from the middle window." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle believe that I should never have any practice at all. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'Certainly not. But why?' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "What of the rat, then?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently business in the City. She little knew what. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" way in." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished more solid." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw brandy and water within his reach. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your against a man in the prime of life?" Gutenberg-tm License. in this way: "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "The Cedars?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he License. You must require such a user to return or "That is possible." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE compunction about shooting them down." both be extremely obliged.' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning weapon." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right I shall communicate with you." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Not I." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Stoke Moran?" said he. stalked out of the room. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, matter over." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to that open window." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem My friend smiled. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you when your master had gone out." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I cannot as yet see any connection." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from you in your example." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Then how many are there?" "Never." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of gbnewby@pglaf.org confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I wall." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Where did he live, then?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little said he. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "What office?" "Yes." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. delighted to hear it," he said. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough examine." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the King without delay." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the driver. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Eyford at 11:15.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand shag which I had seen upon the previous night. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the stones. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he waste of energy." "I am all attention, madam." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on go from here to the Strand." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Thank you. Pray proceed." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Look there!" said he. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be not come at once?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Doctor, of the paper and the date." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true locked." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Stoke Moran?" said he. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Certainly,' I answered. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards hands. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "He is dead," cried several voices. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his were new raised from a basin. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not