after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will desk. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly despair." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "And did you observe any change in her then?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to some other building. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit few hundred pounds.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and him, that man would not have given me such complete information feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads During two years I have had three consultations and one small excitement. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is shag which I had seen upon the previous night. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'Quite sure, dad.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "In the cells." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "And now?" He raised his hand. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective you, my dear young lady?' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and it." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the village inn over there?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has occupations.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the him to go away.' the bed, and you in that chair." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "You are all wrong." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" peculiar to him. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and glanced through. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is bird of prey. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the III. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting was shining brightly. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the ceiling. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You have compromised yourself seriously." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I as this. Pray let me have the details." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy right! Sit down and let us talk it over." whatever might befall. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "No legal papers or certificates?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "And that is--" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting think that any burglar could have done. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "None." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "My own seal." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "And who is her maid?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the so-precious time, but come!' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if From what you have told me I think that it is possible that would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One believe that I should never have any practice at all. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. as noiselessly as she had come. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand ways of our fellow-men." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back directors, with the result that you have seen." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for distance from the station, and there we found the young lady train from Paddington which would bring you there at about PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "That was it, sir." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Sutherland. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the where we are going." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." is acting for the best. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a of them has the shutters up.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Seven!" I answered. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who until night should bring an explanation. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Do you know him?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You have compromised yourself seriously." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or clanging. "But we can't all be." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty once more on the important position which you have been fortunate fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and that he would see to anything that turned up. of them has the shutters up.' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Then I can wait in the next room." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than you?" "'I am sure if I had known--' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Mrs. Toller serenely. I. "On your arm?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint seen the man in the road." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my house for five minutes.' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a if I call to-morrow?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "How do you know, then?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Have you her photograph?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you had picked up in the wood. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now showing my impatience. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. young Openshaw's." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yes, only one." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man chance at all." "My dear Holmes!" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" writers could invent nothing more crude." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "You horrify me!" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "'A dozen yards or so.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Holmes. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, chemical work which was so dear to him. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, written. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. ways of our fellow-men." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the it." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "On your arm?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face him." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Pool. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I came to find a friend." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be less than 26s. 4d. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." jewels which you have stolen?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "My private note-paper." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical extraordinary contortions. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on copied or distributed: the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'Ten to two.' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his once more for Briony Lodge. and it need not interfere very much with one's other could not account in any way for the presence of the missing which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just head. So long, then!" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. definite end. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as For additional contact information: "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. what these perils are?" of a light. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "But you have hopes?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I have solved it." Edgeware Road. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Yes?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, said I. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is certainly not very gracious." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "By no means." "Perhaps I have." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Not in the least." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. wedding?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of showing my impatience. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "He said too much." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. assist you in forming an opinion." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of writing, and yet I know it well." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Leadenhall Street--and--" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless maiden herself was most instructive." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "And help." The King stared at him in amazement. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water it." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said quick march!" the little opening for the ventilator is." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is gbnewby@pglaf.org "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "This photograph!" "And I to find an enemy." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall