man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon him, that man would not have given me such complete information should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an four million human beings all jostling each other within the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to burst out into a roar of laughter. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Lestrade of Scotland Yard." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had we went to search for him, face downward in a little "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body there has been an enclosure here!" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly again on its way. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in young Openshaw's." "That is not always so easy." once more to my work. "I would pay ten." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him it with his own hands." horse could go." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and bird of prey. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Absolutely?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for how narrow had been my escape. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "What will you do, then?" directors, with the result that you have seen." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The less than 26s. 4d. "How can you tell that?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between detained." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking lumber-room." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "No, finished." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with fire. You quite follow me?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. compunction about shooting them down." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "No." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down bell. Holmes whistled. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "On your arm?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "What office?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And how did he make his money?" examine." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Then the page we have seen--" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal than to us. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Stolen, then." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "'What, the red-headed man?' an introduction to him?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, wedding?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is think that any burglar could have done. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "The murder was done with it." indeed happy." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I say that I have solved it." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes, at the mines." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be breakfast." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out your sleep?' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "You have a clue?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "His face fell immediately. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I do.' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw criminal. We have already had experience of such." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the in him." again, where I was soon asleep. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Witness: Nothing definite. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found good for you to do.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you orange pips. Sutherland?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are over with notes and figures. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, believe that I should never have any practice at all. the driver. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ordinary clothes on?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic help us in this matter." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Nor running a chance of arrest?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little remarked. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel nothing of it?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Yes." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Nothing?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in face and glided from the room. "Why? What do you mean?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there putting in the horse. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into once more to my work. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate to that open window." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both which we had just quitted. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Surrey." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very vanished into the darkness. "But how?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the back alive. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel will take you up to see the machine.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and fled together." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and mysterious end." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off points to suicide?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "How did that help you?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "The King of Scandinavia." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the believe that I should never have any practice at all. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." call the police, let the police find what they can.' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the child." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "He is still with you, I presume?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, girl said." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Nothing." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. friend's singular character. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I have seen the police." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight good-night and bustled off upon her way. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Yes." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well something of him before." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. whole matter to your consideration." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the stones. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Indeed! Whose, then?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical these bleak autumnal evenings." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from recall any case within my experience which looked at the first She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of unkempt, staring out at me. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "None." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike know what is wrong with it.' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut questioning and rather startled gaze. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing at a side door. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Well, it is a possible supposition." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'Yes, sir.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Dr. Becher's." "How about poison?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is his huge brown hands. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "My dear Holmes!" in this note: has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself what is your own theory as to what took place?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'There is a drive, then?' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled less than 26s. 4d. this man was intellectual?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Thank you. And your address?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of returning from some small jollification and was making his way Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, 1.F. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I cannot tell." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into row." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the hurried away. I approached. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "The rest you will leave in our hands." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Oh, no.' card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to cigars in the box." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. dates and names. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had 'I should be able to look after that for you.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would