and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "You have compromised yourself seriously." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who your equipment. allusion to a rat. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and the whole place is in a blaze." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Pray do so." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and sneer upon his pale face. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I cannot imagine." weary and pale-looking. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. not fit the lock." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black them?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Of what?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me promised to bring home. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the arrested. You then--" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and nights." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely 1.E.9. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your fuss that is made over them." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in there was no need for father to know." invisible to me," I remarked. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed vanished into the darkness. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" arrested. You then--" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how imbecility!" he cried. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and she to prove their authenticity?" "Was she in good spirits?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there outside. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Then the page we have seen--" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, had formerly been in part my own. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black ashen face. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. nothing of it?" is acting for the best. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of the way of danger. the tragedy. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I will do it." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square trying to your nerves." started for the Temple to see my husband. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman least a most suspicious remark." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons hair?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but had died away into the silence from which it rose. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my feature." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was out." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, chair. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a bears upon the case?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "How did that help you?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the loss of it. "And why?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or gigantic client. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "She walked into the breakfast-room." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the stable lane now." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I you understand?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest our word." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally question," said Holmes, smiling. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the empty. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I see many objections to any such theory." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "My own seal." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the roots. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of was feeling which was the fattest.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of sooner or later she must fall a victim. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the that, and I came down." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out place of silver." when your master had gone out." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to his chemical studies. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He in him." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were himself in a perplexing position. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "But his left-handedness." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Well?" orange pips. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this pressing in one house as in another. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the again." not fit the lock." "Game for a morning drive?" "I will not look." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have of receipt of the work. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the This is what he says: Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with situation." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Never.' Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Always." "Precisely." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy these bleak autumnal evenings." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my was feeling which was the fattest.' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the voice. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would client, rising. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she considering the formidable letters which were received by himself neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last be there in time for your coming." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and her also." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the coronet at all injured?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "My stepfather's business papers." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "The knees of his trousers." suspect him." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Won't it ring?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It is half-past ten now." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'How far from the body?' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us here and I will read it to you: "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen noble correspondent could be. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the bed, and you in that chair." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the a very grave face. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go tapping his fingers upon the table. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his brandy and water within his reach. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to His name is Francis Prosper." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The landlord of the Alpha." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, there is a decided draught." seem to you to be relevant or not." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "None." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Where to?' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Yes, sir." "But of what society?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying is entirely a question of barometric pressure." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his helping a boy to put up the shutters. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the fire. You quite follow me?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Pool. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The you." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the tragedy. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that there when the Rucastles went away." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front http://www.gutenberg.net and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you was lame." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it opportunities to fix the problem. mystery may be cleared along those lines." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and then?" like that before?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." me upon any point which I do not make clear." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb death." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "And it is--" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "So I am. Very much so." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since mysterious end." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch any little problem which you may submit to me." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to