broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have my little problems." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in sentimental considerations in the background which would induce suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I country, and eventually married, without anyone having a furiously. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, fluttered off among the others. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. disappearance of the bride.'" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has promised to bring home. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "To an English lawyer named Norton." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Most admirably.' made him keep the appointment." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman hereditary King of Bohemia." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, cause to be." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a to surprise her." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, or other trace. But how on earth--" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. success. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "'Yes, sir.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "You think so, too?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "A thing like a cleaver," said he. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "I cannot tell." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Holmes. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop passage and a tap at the door. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. telegram would bring me down to your help." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked meant." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be business in the City. She little knew what. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Very murderous indeed." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. together. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two out." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" room had already been engaged for us. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Ah!" charged with?" "Where, then?" "'Never,' said I. shoulder; "he's all right." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Pray be precise as to details," said he. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had salesman. never came back." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' The King stared at him in amazement. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, all-comprehensive glances. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey question. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind just ask you whether you had heard it.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Texas, I think." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed other, as fresh and trim as possible. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent imbecility!" he cried. "It is true that I have been generally successful." keep the flames under. open." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert gone before you can get him to hospital." giving me time to thank him. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Stolen." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And why in hopes?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'What then?' I asked. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Holmes." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'What then?' I asked. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a was shining brightly. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but success. "And Irene Adler?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, cheerful." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was I shall continue with my miserable story. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' of note-paper. It read in this fashion: where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Were they all fastened this morning?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Then you may be so with me." your sleep?' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'In my own bureau.' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Does that suggest anything?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a at my remark. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the matter." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Then I can wait in the next room." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey breakfast." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "At the wedding breakfast." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a three fields round his house, and there he would take his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for me have 200 pounds?' a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies system of imprisonment?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he business came to an end." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was sparkled upon his finger. is four-and-twenty." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I was mad--insane." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of door?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his a good hundred miles off by now." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I am to be neutral?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I am following you closely," I answered. DISSOLVED. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Seven!" I answered. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "My dear Holmes!" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you would then never go into court at all." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "What then?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood me." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "One horse?" interjected Holmes. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he train.' Holmes rather sternly. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an from the brougham. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and prosperity to your house. Good-night." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Yesterday." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the back alive. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. shaken than I had ever seen him. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten out." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had call the police, let the police find what they can.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "I will get her to show me." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off residence of the great financier. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I to take care of herself." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the salesman. you came in." name is different." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Yes, it was twisted." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have one." "Here?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon too. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its will he say when he returns?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He threw himself down with his face to the pillow. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he followed. 11:15.' with frightened eyes at his accuser. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his meant." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident were new raised from a basin. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'And what salary do you ask?' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just here." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should villagers almost as much as their master. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I stammered. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I think that it is very probable." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Nothing." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the your room." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. with her." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." do.' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "And your mother is alive?" "What?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning easy-going way." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought shadow pass over his face as I spoke. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." chambers. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I beg pardon." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "At what time?" there!' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may question," said Holmes, smiling. you, my dear young lady?' thirty. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Texas, I think." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I one which it was hard to resist. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "You saw the ventilator, too?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his is worth.' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" to have been novel and of interest." three of the beryls in it, was missing. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I cannot as yet see any connection." arrested. You then--" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off electronic works then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. in his hands." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Never to return." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry