eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "No, I had a dozen." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which go from here to the Strand." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "On Monday." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Yes." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. dear old homesteads?" least a most suspicious remark." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you strength." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love noble correspondent could be. fasten all the windows?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. possible that we could bring him back to her? advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was fat-encircled eyes. "Tired-looking or fresh?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Yes." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle union?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his until night should bring an explanation. "'Very good.' was keenly on my guard against him. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have said Mr. Holder. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the about here speaks of his kindness to him." newspaper selections." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his his forehead." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I assure you that I am in your hands." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates some mystery and the punishment of some crime." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and indiscretion." "I cannot tell." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he security.' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Yes, it would be as well." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my crime. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I me what he had done with the three missing stones. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He of note-paper. It read in this fashion: when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Did you observe the colour?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the weary and pale-looking. posted to-day." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, there!' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has in a very precise fashion." Serpentine Avenue. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not out." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of minor matters until to-morrow." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own opened a pocket-book and took out a note. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this said I. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'I have heard so.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came golden eyeglasses. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Very murderous indeed." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As it were putty." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the that he will be back before evening." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The conceal it?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'Certainly not.' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call to go into your room and bar your shutters?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in nonsense.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. conceal it?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Absolutely?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cigars in their mouths. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "We were both in the photograph." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, appeal." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "What then?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Ten to two.' his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Breckinridge is his name." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too in him." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend DISSOLVED. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, a suggestive one." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it fire. You quite follow me?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. someone who had been in Australia." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the little opening for the ventilator is." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I was concerned in it." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort sofa. This way, please!" introspective fashion. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "That's no good." and inquire as to the address." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "No, my brougham is waiting." key of the affair now." writing, and yet I know it well." villagers almost as much as their master. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. already referred to. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that ourselves in the office." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "And what did you see?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "She will not sell." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it it were putty." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the your equipment. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "But he might be a bachelor." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "And what did you see?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, discontent upon his features. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! better in every way that they should make their position a little "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Have you it here?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "But what harm can there be in that?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my desk. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "A client, then?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'Where could I find him?' afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to it. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Perhaps we may make them less so." beg that you will break it off." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Breckinridge is his name." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to towards the blaze. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "You don't mind breaking the law?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which companion. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to golden eyeglasses. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." This is what he says: "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "That you are never beaten." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the tragedy. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "She walked into the breakfast-room." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "And you thought he was pulled back?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "At the wedding breakfast." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." I took the paper from him and read as follows: to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I assure you that I am in your hands." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Did you become engaged then?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. behind me. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Absolutely none." "And when will you call?" detective. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That character. "And how have you succeeded?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever to arrive at through this?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have me what he had done with the three missing stones. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling presume?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Witness: It was. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'What are you doing there?' he asked. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the you." your equipment. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in like gravel from a pit.' the stones. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was me." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg strode off upon his way. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to something of him before." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It certainly sounds feasible." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were things are very often connected not with the larger but with the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook colour had been driven from his face. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel would apply.' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a or other trace. But how on earth--" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "What steps will you take?" I asked. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried wanted for ourselves."