the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "He said too much." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered feature." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Why that?' I asks. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, friend's singular character. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will are, and they are waiting for us." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. in his power. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging mysterious business." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the date of his supposed suicide." "What will you say?" child?' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "The Cedars?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Stolen." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'And what are they worth?' I asked. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to quite distinctive." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "But she could not love him." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place strong and stiff." "'Where to?' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Entirely." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold ventilator." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I am all attention, madam." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." evidence," I remarked. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel over part of the map. "What do you read?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "What! You do not mean bodies?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a not fit the lock." astonishment. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the power." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if photograph?" that he has suffered." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." pressing in one house as in another. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. come either from the window or the door. My attention was had a long day." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of bird I ate is country bred." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its felt the room to be a little close.' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "It certainly sounds feasible." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "This concluded the examination of the witness." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "But your client--" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Murdered?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the Assizes." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew your only hope of safety." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think is," said he presently: poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "And it is--" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how with the outside air!" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That you are never beaten." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey there when the Rucastles went away." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "An accident, I presume?" meant." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Which are?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a stood on the top of it. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I writing, and yet I know it well." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I know where it is." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress himself to tell his story. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "No, distinctly professional." undoubtedly my uncle's." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Yes." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears tapping his fingers upon the table. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with started for the Temple to see my husband. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "How on earth--" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "My private note-paper." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of already referred to. "My own seal." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was away to you." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Yes." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Of what day?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old suspect him." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "And sit in the dark?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Absolutely none." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I out." client, rising. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was posted to-day." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, possible that we could bring him back to her? copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the have been better. It is all right." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "You did not overhear what they said?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank child?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. remarked. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was one's self under obligations.' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I was concerned in it." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, conceal it?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one should be taken.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring mystery may be cleared along those lines." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. pressing in one house as in another. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside forbidden door. as he remarks, very much against the son." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I came to find a friend." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord particular state visit http://pglaf.org need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed is a common subject for conversation. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but six. Come in!" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "When did it break out?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Yes?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "But not more so than I to find you." "I was mad--insane." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so learned something! Where are the gems?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "No, but the enclosure is." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small relation between them, and what the object of his repeated one's self under obligations.' Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found read it out to me." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Pope's Court. neither fascinating nor artistic." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in them, and came down just as you departed. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss hopeless attempt at recovering them." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found washing it down with a long draught of water. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Yes." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Dr. Becher's." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand might help us?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a new acquaintance to Baker Street. detective. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Lee, in the county of Kent." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the roots. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that strong and stiff." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "What shall I do?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Yes." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so would apply.' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** companion. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "No." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor evidence," I remarked. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it records." "Not in the least." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "To an English lawyer named Norton." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with redistribution. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." away to you." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "The doctor?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of made him keep the appointment." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It certainly sounds feasible." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "And it is--" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Sutherland?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Then I can wait in the next room." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can burst out into a roar of laughter. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found forebodings. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and put his glass in his pocket. "Yes, only one." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. British peeress.'" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I shall most certainly do so." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' other means.' me." thin legs towards the fire. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Perhaps we may make them less so." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Lee, in the county of Kent." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "You have compromised yourself seriously." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to everything which you would wish to know." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned might help us?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Dr. Becher's." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years,