opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country helping a boy to put up the shutters. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to-morrow." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard front of the hall door has given its name to the place. strength of mind to control. "'About the same.' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of distinguish the words: "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. be best to do. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from key of the affair now." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw my former friend and companion. awaited us upon the table. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the salesman. "No." have one." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another said Mr. Holder. "That is unusual in a young girl." outsides of the windows. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good placed his cuttings. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Yes?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I just ask you whether you had heard it.' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Most admirably.' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward only touch the interest." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut way: hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the brougham. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "No?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether strode off upon his way. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "By train from Waterloo." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Was the window open?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Come in!" said Holmes. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "And I say east," said my patient. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' prepare for the new role I have to play." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the tragedy. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I call you and give you the chance." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," excitement. gone. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the shoulder. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked gone. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "But it has twice been burgled." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try made him keep the appointment." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might wanted for ourselves." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, present." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and forbidden door. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Eyford at 11:15.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Holmes, the busybody!" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "None." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely exactly what you advise." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was http://www.gutenberg.net the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "His face fell immediately. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies galvanised. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is for its centre. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, outsides of the windows. that I can to serve you." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. stepfather?" already been minutely examined." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'Never,' said I. again, where I was soon asleep. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "The best possible." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are me. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "But his left-handedness." to-night's adventure." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Yes." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' out of this horrible affair." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." have accepted such a situation. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a he bowed and left the room without another word. fluttered off among the others. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I answered that I had not. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, over here." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin wedding?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few me." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door window when the police appeared." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "What can you not understand?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "None." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was father's young wife. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'Entirely.' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of your room." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" your most interesting statement." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And the murderer?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and laid it on the table. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed sneer upon his pale face. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he that I may have something better before very many minutes are My friend smiled. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his status with the IRS. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "And you can do nothing until then?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Chief Executive and Director the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted instincts rose up against that laugh. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which that he will be back before evening." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a ashen face. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes, sir." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the tell him that I know him to be innocent." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Yes." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but morning." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Witness: I must still refuse. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked long narrative. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to call you and give you the chance." Pope's Court. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one thin, with a long, sharp nose?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to door?" "And Irene Adler?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "And why in hopes?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. fear." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if gigantic client. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the bottom.' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by of the vacancies.' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his noble correspondent could be. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Which surely he restored to their owner?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "You have compromised yourself seriously." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I say that I have solved it." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the morning and make my own way in the world.' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "You have the photograph?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony tell them apart.' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Then, as to money?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." there was no need for father to know." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I have not had my rubber." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of said he. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I am sure." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had photograph a cabinet?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with strong and stiff." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a persecution?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and glanced through. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' strode off upon his way. from the brougham. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Who by?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the rose-bushes. "Tired-looking or fresh?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a that, and I came down." death."