and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was little trying to do so much typewriting?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact said he. "I promise," said Holmes. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, that you can jump it.' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Yes." careless servant girl?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'Certainly,' I answered. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Who by?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Holmes, the busybody!" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting meant." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and your most interesting statement." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously business?" that there was nothing in it, after all." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an call the police, let the police find what they can.' humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Why that?' I asks. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the general public were present, then?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a you." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps down. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone which we had just quitted. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a would then never go into court at all." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I I have it here in my museum." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "And now?" He raised his hand. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Not I." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes this man was intellectual?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "But he might be a bachelor." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They a monotonous occupation." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' 11:15.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net peculiar to him. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Come in!" said Holmes. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our this as likely?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" was a loud and authoritative tap. system of imprisonment?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "You know me, then?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Yes." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong there!' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "What is it?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I will do it." photograph?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may are windows in it, of course?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You horrify me!" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And Irene Adler?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of detained." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the call you and give you the chance." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." with her." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as speckled band?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "My dear Holmes!" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I promise," said Holmes. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" or other trace. But how on earth--" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is hardly wander." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I shall be delighted." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one dates and names. will be renamed. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers important." "My last client of the sort was a king." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do me. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is shall use the carriage to-night." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Were they all fastened this morning?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, in his power. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very sofa. This way, please!" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Clair, of Lee." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "How do you know, then?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea before the coroner and the police-court." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been anything to a woman, for she would have her way." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'I have already given you my word.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yes, the wine-cellar." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the question. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face posted to-day." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, deduce something from that?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Have you her photograph?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "There is the writing." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan said Mr. Holder. think, you have already met." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." I shall continue with my miserable story. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It was." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Gutenberg-tm License. "9th. McCauley cleared. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in orange pips. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a go from here to the Strand." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "What will you say?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "This concluded the examination of the witness." new acquaintance to Baker Street. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Very murderous indeed." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'Oh, no.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "No." "That's no good." electronic works beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "So I heard. You have him here?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, breakfast?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great had picked up in the wood. "'A dozen yards or so.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, outbreak?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair became a certainty. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled observed. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For colour had been driven from his face. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "What do you make of that, Watson?" developed." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I am armed." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But what these perils are?" horse could go." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the running down." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "You'll never persuade me to believe that." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I have seen the police." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. recover the gem." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Bought." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the little opening for the ventilator is." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in man. I know him from the photograph." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box was a perfect sample of the class. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "He slept on the premises." retorted upon me, and I on you." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "And I say east," said my patient. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic heavily into it. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in my room." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The knees of his trousers." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand keep the flames under. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn likely to be some crony of the landlady's." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." forehead. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for thirty. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a bill, which interests me deeply." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the running down." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "But not more so than I to find you." "Well, some hundreds of times." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our little adventures." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Did you become engaged then?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the very morning of the wedding." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes." Have you good authority for what you say?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "What is it, then--a fire?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. I. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Deserted you?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" to me. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, you." "Where did he live, then?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "And how did he make his money?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Nothing?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that