"In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "It looks newer than the other things?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he which should have the effect of calling the attention of the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under me upon any point which I do not make clear." dear old homesteads?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has window when the police appeared." money should be paid at once.' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the business." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." is," said he presently: took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the reach." horse could go." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of upon the white wrist. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "On Monday." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR fire. You quite follow me?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Dr. Gregory B. Newby huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'As governess?' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Leadenhall Street--and--" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting following enigmatical notices: Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always all that?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." ourselves in the office." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Then I can wait in the next room." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little likely to be some crony of the landlady's." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'I have heard so.' to talk it over. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you where we are going." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "He slept on the premises." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true them?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I yet." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the bed, and you in that chair." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "On Monday." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "I don't say that. Perhaps." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Gutenberg-tm License. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am business in the City. She little knew what. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Where, then?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the brandy and water within his reach. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. will take you up to see the machine.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in prepare for the new role I have to play." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the during that time.' should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "No, but the enclosure is." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And why?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "You have a clue?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. are, and they are waiting for us." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And now?" He raised his hand. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens other means.' drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy it. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And I." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a retorted upon me, and I on you." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to system of imprisonment?" too. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try compunction about shooting them down." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to What do you deduce from it?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Where to?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "10th. John Swain cleared. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and fait accompli?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this time." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young back to my heart. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "What can it mean?" I gasped. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' flock.' "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. face and glided from the room. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and was already answered. ashen face. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, get the tickets." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No good news?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the general public were present, then?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, be sorry for having acted so harshly." chill to my heart. know what is wrong with it.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "That is not always so easy." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That least a fellow-countryman. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Then I am your man." ourselves in the office." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an any little problem which you may submit to me." "And on what day did he meet his death?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "You are hungry," I remarked. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Nearly eleven." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "And what did you see?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled mystery!" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and danger is over." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" room?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." matter." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of than to us. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Yes." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre affection." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should you." said he. your sleep?' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Not in a good cause." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I shall be delighted." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that second." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'It is locked up,' I answered. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of so.' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the room while you explain this matter?" more solid." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was a monotonous occupation." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured have an American origin." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Watson," he said cordially. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "And what did you see?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached invisible to me," I remarked. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not I was concerned in it." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "No, distinctly professional." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." you in yours." Sutherland?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." in the port of London." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has ventilator." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which round and wave him away like that.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Indeed! Whose, then?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "My stepfather's business papers." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the not within a twentieth part of the market price." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Where could I find him?' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the http://www.gutenberg.net waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I cannot tell." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had anything to a woman, for she would have her way." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of felt the room to be a little close.' Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really know all about it," he snarled. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is him!" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND way: what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully chemical work which was so dear to him. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "A client, then?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You'll never persuade me to believe that." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in What do you deduce from it?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where prepare for the new role I have to play." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "But not more so than I to find you." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the little opening for the ventilator is." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his wife has ceased to love him." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Here?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity matters immensely." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "No." "And I." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at me upon any point which I do not make clear." guilty parties." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Nothing." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position just ask you whether you had heard it.' to miss it." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle gentleman's clothes. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a