remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the warnings." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Eyford at 11:15.' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "One of his hands." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." me have 200 pounds?' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with ran thus: fatally injured? call it cruel." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe may never be exposed to such a temptation." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would weigh very heavily upon my conscience." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money before, for it was considerably after midnight. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us like that before?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "But you can know nothing of this?" in a friendly supper." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. less than 26s. 4d. "It must be recovered." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." society." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my over with notes and figures. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak them present such singular features as the strange train of "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to several quiet little villages up there." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Ten to two.' away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I appeared upon the scene." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the nights." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" unkempt, staring out at me. about here speaks of his kindness to him." "To an end?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Which dealer's?' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so for the market.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained that?' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "The gentleman I describe." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Then let me do so?' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, morning." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in existence." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Holmes. You want to know what became of those geese?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was husband's writing, madam." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Yes, I have one waiting." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "That is also quite modern," said the lady. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "It is very kind of you." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found good for you to do.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "This concluded the examination of the witness." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that your bag." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed at a side door. This is what he says: them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet that there was nothing in it, after all." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he bill, which interests me deeply." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here shoulder; "he's all right." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they there." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, power." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a mystery may be cleared along those lines." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in said I. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late when your master had gone out." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "But who is he?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the a monotonous occupation." "Your French gold?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, examine." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be six. Come in!" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Your French gold?" see a sister of mine apply for." "Won't it ring?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry business matters.' were wasted." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the retorted upon me, and I on you." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire we went to search for him, face downward in a little receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to invisible to me," I remarked. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in him!" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his arrested. You then--" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch questionable one." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for you in yours." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "And the cigar-holder?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, one's self under obligations.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Yes, all." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to a light-house. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'Where to?' in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' call the police, let the police find what they can.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "And what did you see?" "Then you may be so with me." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of DAMAGE. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "But not more so than I to find you." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the people in all walks of life. "And your father? Did you tell him?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when true." "How on earth--" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London during that time.' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "You have carte blanche." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "And how have you succeeded?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his go from here to the Strand." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Then he might have called to you?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together everything which you would wish to know." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; clanging. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "And when will you call?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital confronted him. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw sit on the left-hand side of the driver." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "That is unusual in a young girl." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. mysterious end." better in every way that they should make their position a little "'Then let me do so?' "What can you not understand?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "There is the writing." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away unprofitable." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Just look it up, then." them, and came down just as you departed. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "But how will you look?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at daring than any effort of the imagination." "And how did you find out?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen galvanised. deduce something from that?" the tragedy. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "There is the writing." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the station." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a visitors." before, for it was considerably after midnight. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is you." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "But his left-handedness." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. your co-operation." the loss of it. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" records." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met such attractions and accomplishments?' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Mrs. Toller serenely. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen again before evening." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the loss of it. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for some water from a caraffe. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'I have already given you my word.' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if passage and a tap at the door. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his be there in time for your coming." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had back alive. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round point in the dark hollow of his hand. not fit the lock." "Your presence might be invaluable." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat assist you in forming an opinion." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible in him." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" His name is Francis Prosper." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Not him." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming if only as a check to my own memory." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. third from London." depend upon your compliance." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "You did not overhear what they said?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which this unhappy family?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was