the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the coronet in his hands?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, experiences." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "What will you say?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the inquest, and which are worth considering." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "But what is it you wish?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining second window is the one that I jumped from." indeed which he could not unravel. back into the street. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. enter into my head. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "And how have you succeeded?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Breckinridge is his name." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. empty. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I am all attention, madam." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps me where it went to?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Yes." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "You are hungry," I remarked. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "No." "Why, what do you mean?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting or other trace. But how on earth--" remarked. or in danger--" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'Most admirably.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "How did that help you?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with this truth that in these little records of our cases which you paper in the air. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come written. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "On your arm?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "My last client of the sort was a king." me. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to rat could hardly pass through." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "What is it, then--a fire?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" over with notes and figures. "Not yet." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and charged with?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Your French gold?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Well?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in name is different." becomes even more simple." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." there in twenty minutes." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "The King of Scandinavia." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here dear old homesteads?" "I cannot say that I have." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." comes from the middle window." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I am about to be married." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Quite so. She has her freedom." the station." delirious. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Pray do so." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I wanted for ourselves." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the heavy and sharp instrument." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." giving me time to thank him. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "And help." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in went to the Alpha were town bred." we went to search for him, face downward in a little January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Again Holmes raved in the air. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of fear." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Ah!" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a have I gained?" the station." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I am sure." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I have solved it." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "But of what society?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. manager. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Precisely." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive sit on the left-hand side of the driver." before the coroner and the police-court." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a But Holmes shook his head gravely. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the room while you explain this matter?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had and that he would see to anything that turned up. arrested. You then--" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I have hopes." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his highroad, where all traces were lost. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is that he will be back before evening." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with said I. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and lips." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of a very grave face. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from next day. "Then, how do you know?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the bed, and you in that chair." for and were ordered to this address. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a vault. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was events, Mr. Windibank!" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" copied or distributed: "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them I nodded again. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the tragedy. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "That is possible." License. You must require such a user to return or recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "It came here." "And Miss Sutherland?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set constraint." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied unprofitable." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "And how did he make his money?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Quite so. She has her freedom." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have thin legs towards the fire. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it in darkness. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any DAMAGE. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes, but only for you and me." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. This is what he says: bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "And you don't know his address?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "It was an hour's good drive." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and glanced through. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Holmes rather sternly. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. other means.' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose she might be summoned. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to have that photograph." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I certainly not very gracious." "Where, indeed?" "It certainly sounds feasible." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole burst into a hearty fit of laughter. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing might have a private word with us. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. green of the new foliage. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I will not look." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I will not look." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who have accepted such a situation. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "But the mystery?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "And is that all?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "And you thought he was pulled back?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, words came to my lips. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House plantation.' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly The note was undated, and without either signature or address. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. sound at heart." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall everything which you would wish to know." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "No?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not present." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'You cannot say what it was?' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "From his hat?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It looks newer than the other things?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "And what then?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly one of the states of the Union." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'Certainly,' I answered. "Then how many are there?" one which it was hard to resist. telegram would bring me down to your help." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I don't believe it." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And Miss Sutherland?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Do you go out much in society?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "What can it mean?" I gasped. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. murdered man." pressing in one house as in another. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn possible that we could bring him back to her?