your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "What, then, did Peterson do?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Why did you pick him?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And your father? Did you tell him?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent in your London, you will know that the office of the company is upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my hurried by. to have been novel and of interest." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I cannot as yet see any connection." "He might." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a in this note: back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes colour had been driven from his face. families. Now for the facts. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but placed his cuttings. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Ah!" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. already referred to. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'I have heard so.' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "So it appears." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "How did he come?" "You horrify me." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had have been better. It is all right." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It was." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "On the contrary, this is the right side." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "It looks newer than the other things?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'Never.' developed." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But to whom?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It is possible." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third generous with you in money matters.' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or had picked up in the wood. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, bell. Holmes whistled. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Here?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal character. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the warnings." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Pray let us have it, for all that." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through his face. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Where, then, is my wife?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "And now?" He raised his hand. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, sofa. This way, please!" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me there is a decided draught." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "That's no good." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that I nodded again. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he just ask you whether you had heard it.' "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in unprofitable." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that would apply.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and as noiselessly as she had come. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "How many? I don't know." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and have this put in the evening papers." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you questionable one." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and me. You must get home instantly and act." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "By no means." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. there!' "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had name is different." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my third from London." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last colonel looking down at me. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Very murderous indeed." who was a member of your goose club." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and if she died from some sudden fright." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of his shoulders. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Texas, I think." "Were they all fastened this morning?" disappearance of these gems?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the we went to search for him, face downward in a little Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, better in every way that they should make their position a little this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "VIOLET HUNTER." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "You think that he is dead?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. whatever might befall. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for direction." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was front of me. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that kind enough to tell me what I should do." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Texas, I think." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, anything to do with the matter?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' arrested. You then--" respectable self." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Just look it up, then." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have to affect your life." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to gigantic client. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, emerged. were wasted." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and whether it answered to the description of any of their it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's remarked. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the ceiling. fait accompli?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was a perfect sample of the class. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Yes, that is the Crown." with some details as to your case." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in when your master had gone out." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Certainly." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he that he has suffered." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he him. visitors." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me acquaintance?" formed some opinion?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." presume?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." comes from the middle window." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we instituted." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Yes." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Pray do so." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should recover the gem." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor forbidden door. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "There is the writing." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in opened the door, and slipped through. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Does that suggest anything?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb key turn in the lock." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about writers could invent nothing more crude." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Two days later this same performance was gone through under there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came your sleep?' "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "It missed him, then?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step call for protection in the marriage market, for the present am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Certainly not.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the door?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I will do it." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I cannot think." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, most interesting one." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Mary, has deserted me." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a are windows in it, of course?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that My friend smiled. be. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again that there was nothing in it, after all." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, The summons was a brief and urgent one. indeed happy." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "None." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Whose house is it?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy since then to throw any light upon what became of him." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Where to?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Oh, fresh and glossy." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Why serious?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. definite end. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "By no means." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "At what time?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'Quite sure, dad.' THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out outsides of the windows. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "What, then, did Peterson do?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "So it appears." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so roused himself from his reverie. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had