of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I have come for advice." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the Friday. Was it to be in church?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate envelope. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation himself. "Here?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really my special province." knowledge of the world." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat for the market.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** have an American origin." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Really! You surprise me." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Pool. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "About a month then." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up leaning back in his chair. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding burst out into a roar of laughter. "'What then?' I asked. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the McCarthy." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I comes from the middle window." hands. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "But you were on a friendly footing?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these over here." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left front of me. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Absolutely none." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I am to be neutral?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Was your sister dressed?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from really the only notable feature about the thing." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "It came here." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I was sure that I might rely on you." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be rose-bushes. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the closing the door. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the respectable self." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, I. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event whatever might befall. floor. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman that I can to serve you." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked might have a private word with us. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "May I see it?" was a loud and authoritative tap. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his drawing your inferences." "How do you know, then?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "No, but the enclosure is." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous companion quietly. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very shag which I had seen upon the previous night. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered a very grave face. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical for securing the situation." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had annoyance, but no jest. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Then how many are there?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE question. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "But you can know nothing of this?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally are, and they are waiting for us." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "And why?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Have you good authority for what you say?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to over with notes and figures. article?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "And it is--" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to was shining brightly. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the stable lane now." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, looking up at the numbers of the houses." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air is entirely a question of barometric pressure." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "No?" appeared upon the scene." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "No." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I presented more singular features than that which was associated "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'What are you doing there?' he asked. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" that?' successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." upon the shelf for the interim." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "What can you not understand?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which habit of advancing money.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Nothing." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. indeed which he could not unravel. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Pray do so." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. companion quietly. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Yes, that is the Crown." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Street. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I whatever might befall. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one awaited us upon the table. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ready to-morrow?' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two approach us with offers to donate. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the chance." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which you in yours." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Mary, has deserted me." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might outside." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "But I am all in the dark." occupations.' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." outbreak?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "On the contrary, this is the right side." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it would apply.' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an burst out into a roar of laughter. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'Which dealer's?' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his you, my dear young lady?' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "That is possible." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'Yes, it was gone.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common least a fellow-countryman. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her carriage. It was a chestnut." upon a handsome competence. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I woman." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" sofa. This way, please!" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, question," said Holmes, smiling. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through observed. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Stoke Moran?" said he. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled McCarthy." "Was he the only applicant?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." 1.E.9. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Ten to two.' "Not him." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the true." "Not in the least." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" carried out of court." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this woman." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the nursery. Mary, has deserted me." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "I have solved it." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety observed. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. go--none." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'Oh, no.' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the driver. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy But Holmes shook his head gravely. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an business matters.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple once more. "Thank you. Pray proceed." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last beyond words. what I may call a really hard day's work." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "And sit in the dark?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through only touch the interest." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Where, then?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical bare slabs of marble. "Here?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. bird I ate is country bred." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could annoyance, but no jest. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for lost nothing by them." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric closely." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very