there." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Edgeware Road. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments not use it unless it is absolutely needed." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was in his power. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them young Openshaw's." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of them has the shutters up.' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson electronic works Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing may never be exposed to such a temptation." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of your billet.' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. instituted." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned astonishment. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Deserted you?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Heh?' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It is possible." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do him!" clang of the bell. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "How on earth--" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in McCarthy's innocence. I approached. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Were they all fastened this morning?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the Friday. Was it to be in church?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always fat-encircled eyes. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I know where it is." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand morning." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "The murder was done with it." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Yes." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your points to suicide?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the him to go away.' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in call for protection in the marriage market, for the present others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Certainly." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see derbies." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Won't it ring?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that foot. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key for its centre. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, locked. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Here?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "In what way?" asked Holmes. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Stolen, then." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the IS "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood out of this horrible affair." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' cheerful." narrative." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of Fenchurch Street." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the Assizes." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the tragedy. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for meant it for the best. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking could go. question. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "What then?" desk. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of the efforts of the United States government and of the better to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Mrs. Toller serenely. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the lips." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I beg pardon." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the station." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon some mystery and the punishment of some crime." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah copied or distributed: the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported several quiet little villages up there." "Why, what do you mean?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'As governess?' the tragedy. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of writing, and yet I know it well." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are here." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And on what day did he meet his death?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the hard-headed British jury." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, must be when I saw the door open.' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I am about to be married." the coronet at all injured?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'What then?' I asked. "Yes, sir." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the south-west, I see." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which tassel actually lying upon the pillow. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp him!" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Pray do so." "Your French gold?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight to go into your room and bar your shutters?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "When did she vanish, then?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "In San Francisco, a year ago." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I say it is." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'And what are they worth?' I asked. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution this Miss Turner." the south-west, I see." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who foresight and the moral retrogression?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have on re-entering her father's house?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the it." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who ago." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on conceal it?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic stepfather?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. note?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Then he might have called to you?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an six. Come in!" spark where all is dark to me." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew as he folded up the epistle. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Yes." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many weigh very heavily upon my conscience." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man have had none more fantastic than this." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of outside." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly leave you to your papers for a little." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I am following you closely," I answered. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "In the cells." society." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an read over the extraordinary announcement. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case tapping his fingers upon the table. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing in. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Yes, certainly." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Texas, I think." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have head. So long, then!" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Ah!" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "What do you mean?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Dirty?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Pray let us have it, for all that." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "What have you done?" asked Holmes. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence more terrible than the truth. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question easy-going way." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my