chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Yes, all." everything which you would wish to know." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT of a light. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative these bleak autumnal evenings." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up criminal. We have already had experience of such." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for coat-tails." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its directors have had misgivings upon the subject." of your young ladies.' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last off." "If I can be of use." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his fact, we may call it conclusive." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "No, thank goodness, she did not." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Then I can wait in the next room." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Come in!" said he. must compliment you." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "No good news?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a think, you have already met." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and wait." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a not within a twentieth part of the market price." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "You were travelling in the States?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I never have." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "I do." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then in one or two places in England?' We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had golden eyeglasses. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Chief Executive and Director "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I shall communicate with you." I have it here in my museum." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall lamp in his hand. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a you." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the cup of tea. "And the murderer?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. sound at heart." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked himself to tell his story. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of see me here to avoid scandal." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith returning from some small jollification and was making his way first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, is now desirous of getting those letters back." from you?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the bird of prey. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the companion. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most him to go away.' drove away. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "By all means." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to companion. nonsense.' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I assure you that I am in your hands." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, that you can jump it.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from during the last few years, and there are many noble families to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Look there!" said he. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their tapping his fingers upon the table. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's three of the beryls in it, was missing. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "At the wedding breakfast." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should sake, don't!" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the astonishment. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "That you are never beaten." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my or other trace. But how on earth--" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I fait accompli?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and open." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and effective." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Here?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely shall use the carriage to-night." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Always." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I to tell." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the devil!" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, prison!" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary vault. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Yes, it would be as well." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "My own seal." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't never to learn it at all." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "It is very kind of you." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less assist you in forming an opinion." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "At what time?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but retorted upon me, and I on you." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "What is it, then--a fire?" writers could invent nothing more crude." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing derbies." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Why that?' I asks. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a through." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood searched, without anything being found which could incriminate public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush manager. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled bachelor.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." felt the room to be a little close.' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined cigars in the box." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked you came in." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at of receipt of the work. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I am in hopes that she does." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature letters?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, if only as a check to my own memory." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the devil!" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' families. Now for the facts. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done ran thus: but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock train.' "What shall I do?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so astonishment. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch chemical work which was so dear to him. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "'How far from the body?' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet face and glided from the room. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "In the cells." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the question. 1.E.9. my friend's incisive reasoning. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Witness: I must still refuse. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a been deceived." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door showing my impatience. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'Never.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Leave Paddington by the 11:15." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said bachelor.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project whole matter to your consideration." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set man. I know him from the photograph." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has obstinate." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for congenial hunt. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of relief. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. late." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It his fortune, and I went back to pa. "But of what society?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce been with you?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my notes," he said. heavily into it. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his call you and give you the chance." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" not fit the lock." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence which we had just quitted. "I cannot imagine." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to certainly do as you advise." 1.E.9. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "But you can know nothing of this?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'Oh, no.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Yes." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do becomes even more simple." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the my secret was safe in his possession. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather with some details as to your case." has little to do with my story." these bleak autumnal evenings." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that foot. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he