"You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "A greater distance to travel." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method John Swain, of St. Augustine. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and your relations to her." "By train from Waterloo." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you in the dead of the night?' "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' he. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Project Gutenberg-tm works. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "How did you trace it, then?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced himself. tell them apart.' active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "How are you getting on?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less helping a boy to put up the shutters. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I say that I have solved it." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for of Mr. Rucastle's." eavesdroppers?' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" voice, changing her seat as requested. fashion which was peculiar to him. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'What then?' I asked. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of wedding?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had know all about it," he snarled. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. might help us?" be best to do. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all ways including including checks, online payments and credit card dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "He disappeared so suddenly." "He might." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Seven!" I answered. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and own family. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "My dear Holmes!" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I assure you that I am in your hands." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "How did he come?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a advice." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. prisoner's face. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a very grave face. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Foundation had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Never to return." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I fear not." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of the one which your family is now devouring." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'And the work?' glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to with frightened eyes at his accuser. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Always." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and as noiselessly as she had come. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of returning from some small jollification and was making his way dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I don't say that. Perhaps." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a introspective fashion. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "No." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" strength." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left said he. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong said he. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I have come for advice." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his from you?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "And did you observe any change in her then?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the grasp, he hurried from the room. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "You did not overhear what they said?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and at my own good fortune. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened in. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with despair." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be lumber-room." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "But I am all in the dark." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend case-book, which he consulted. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in despaired of." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "At the wedding breakfast." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact only touch the interest." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, noble correspondent could be. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Countess of Morcar's?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have had no one to advise her at such a crisis." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch not within a twentieth part of the market price." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened man. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Watson," he said cordially. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: soul! here is her carriage at the door." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You have it, sir, just as it happened." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed might help us?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the newspaper selections." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we fashion which was peculiar to him. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'I am sure if I had known--' my room." might have a private word with us. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque case-book, which he consulted. he bowed and left the room without another word. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Never.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I cannot say that I have." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "What are they?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes, he did." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back overpowering excitement and concern. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running companion quietly. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Witness: It was. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I cannot imagine." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the Red-headed League." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Entirely." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her your only hope of safety." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though distinguish the words: correct than the official force." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day horse could go." disturbance in my wife." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of not come at once?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Do you know him?" Where does the thing come from?' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "But your client--" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I am in hopes that she does." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, them present such singular features as the strange train of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Where, then, is my wife?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which might help us?" business at Coburg Square is serious." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to about here speaks of his kindness to him." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Surrey." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" bedroom door." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not done what I asked you, Jones?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. noble correspondent could be. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'Not at all. I only doubt--' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by be best to do. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed once more on the important position which you have been fortunate lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the his fortune, and I went back to pa. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect