"I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "When did she vanish, then?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his paper in the air. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across of a light. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you promised to bring home. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Nearly eleven." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I point in the dark hollow of his hand. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences which it had come upon my father." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some coroner's jury." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I have a cab outside." ourselves in the office." third from London." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was unclasping of his long thin hands. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He have not had my rubber." forbidden door. "He disappeared so suddenly." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'Quite sure, dad.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the house with me." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other should be so warm over such a trifle." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "You are all wrong." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of the way of danger. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of lectures into a series of tales." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hereditary King of Bohemia." I shall continue with my miserable story. photograph a cabinet?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can these bleak autumnal evenings." "'Oh, no.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of stalked out of the room. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Your French gold?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'Where could I find him?' always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case memory. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself The events in question occurred in the early days of my footfalls from the street. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the Red-headed League." "On the contrary, this is the right side." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was chamber." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "My stepfather's business papers." "If so, much may have happened between." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a hardly wander." introspective fashion. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something go--none." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs remarked. crime." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Was he the only applicant?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood few hundred pounds.' "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the ago." paper in the air. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me them, and came down just as you departed. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "It's nothing of the kind." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new impression behind it as though a window had gently closed tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, absorbing." "He is dead," cried several voices. "Nothing." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "That sounds a little paradoxical." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to as the one I chose?' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. delirious. in this note: to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I assure you that I am in your hands." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and 11:15.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There in a very precise fashion." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my hard-headed British jury." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "In answer to an advertisement." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must over here." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is of his shoulders. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Chief Executive and Director "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among matters immensely." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after which our visitor detailed to us. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Always." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, future lives." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Look there!" said he. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." once more. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "No, thank goodness, she did not." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "I was afraid that you were engaged." did not hear it also.' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just details." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "You were travelling in the States?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "If so, much may have happened between." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a ceremony." delighted to hear it," he said. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Yes." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six compunction about shooting them down." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was wanted for ourselves." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' maid will bring up your coffee." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he stammered. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his charge against him will break down." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot as he folded up the epistle. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Oh, the cause is excellent!" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of careless servant girl?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Pray do so." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are affection." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable direction." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing breakfast and whispered something to her husband. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "'Never,' said I. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "She walked into the breakfast-room." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "What have you to say now?" it were putty." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he bird of prey. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of undoubtedly my uncle's." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "I was mad--insane." and your relations to her." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. before, for it was considerably after midnight. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "So I am. Very much so." "On your arm?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has were wasted." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "The rest you will leave in our hands." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off husband's writing, madam." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can a very grave face. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his despaired of." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to of." which was all perfectly true. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET works. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At floor. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "But she will refuse." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a me. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced suspect him." "VIOLET HUNTER." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Ha! you find it so?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to green of the new foliage. fact, we may call it conclusive." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "That sounds a little paradoxical." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally advice." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Is he quiet?" British peeress.'" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then matter." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and happened." "And how did you find out?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he digesting their breakfasts at home." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "She told me to ask you." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting she used." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the from you?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "How did you trace it, then?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for neither fascinating nor artistic." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "An enemy?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Leave Paddington by the 11:15." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. arrested. You then--" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Witness: I must still refuse. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and better in every way that they should make their position a little grasp, he hurried from the room. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' invisible to me," I remarked. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell minor matters until to-morrow." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, salesman. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "By all means." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner