it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it in his power. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "That is easily got." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in anything to do with the matter?" "I came to find a friend." "Precisely." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the coronet at all injured?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "You have a clue?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through allusion to a rat. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Certainly not.' purpose equally well?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him done what I asked you, Jones?" opened the door, and slipped through. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way chambers. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible directors, with the result that you have seen." "By no means." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there written, and locked the door of the office after me. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I came to find a friend." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has train from Paddington which would bring you there at about upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of go back?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you present." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running breakfast." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "What shall I do?" case-book, which he consulted. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing society." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. some terrible trap for her." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the dangers which encompass me." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step asked. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And how did you verify them?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. this unhappy family?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "You are all wrong." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either infinite languor in his face. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Does that suggest anything?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "And what did you see?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient been anything against him. He had for years been known as a tightly behind him. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever unclasping of his long thin hands. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "No good news?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by article?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' you." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. towards the blaze. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, woman." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and criminal. We have already had experience of such." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they there has been an enclosure here!" was shining brightly. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see have an American origin." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "What can you not understand?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "How often?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my face and glided from the room. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Because he was handy and would come cheap." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." round and wave him away like that.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "None. Neville wrote those words." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was a little more before I quite committed myself. "I guessed as much." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Holmes, the busybody!" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Where, indeed?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' my friend's incisive reasoning. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, http://www.gutenberg.net "Very murderous indeed." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I will do it." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? one which it was hard to resist. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I shall continue with my miserable story. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own woman who has had her own way to make in the world. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I whole matter to your consideration." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I there is a decided draught." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "The murder was done with it." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And the murderer?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong of the efforts of the United States government and of the better reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I am about to be married." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "But how did you gain them?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "How did that help you?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my girl said." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." outsides of the windows. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" garden below. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Oh, yes, easily." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Yes." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I will do it." to-night?' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "The doctor?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an troubles have been weighing upon his mind. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled felt the room to be a little close.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Yes." with you?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Then you may entirely rely on me." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if about. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "They are typewritten," I remarked. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of carriage. It was a chestnut." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, it would be as well." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to his chemical studies. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "You know me, then?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as window when the police appeared." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a where we are going." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of such person." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Really! You surprise me." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Gutenberg-tm License. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and files of the old papers, following the future career of every against a man in the prime of life?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and from the brougham. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" in the hope of finding them." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "No." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard been shamefully used." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then The summons was a brief and urgent one. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There has little to do with my story." "On your arm?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Yesterday." over part of the map. "What do you read?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "No, I had a dozen." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could have one." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Will you bet, then?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I guessed as much." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep McCarthy's innocence. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Bought." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens future lives." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Pope's Court, Fleet Street." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "BALLARAT." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. helping a boy to put up the shutters. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you read it out to me." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I guessed as much." key of the affair now." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over bonnet, and went out." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Have you her photograph?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Mrs. Toller serenely. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was particular state visit http://pglaf.org This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you man. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "But she will refuse." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "And what did you see?" for the market.' "This photograph!" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Yes. He waved his hands." "You have the photograph?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "'Where could I find him?' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many with some details as to your case." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Not him." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt once more for Briony Lodge. arrangements." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known unprofitable." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after woman who has had her own way to make in the world. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." undoubtedly my uncle's." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a morning." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out as he remarks, very much against the son." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'Entirely.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual national property. I was determined that the law should have its once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I she might be summoned. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is bonnet, and went out." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope enter Dr. Roylott's room." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of must compliment you." "Yes, from Horsham."