He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," not personally threatened." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger For additional contact information: natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Did you become engaged then?" "I beg pardon." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "He is dead," cried several voices. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and I shall be with you presently." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen foresight and the moral retrogression?" whatever might befall. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "In what way?" asked Holmes. absorbing." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of business in the City. She little knew what. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive as he remarks, very much against the son." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, until night should bring an explanation. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Quite so." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook companion. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Yes, it would be as well." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Munro.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you if only as a check to my own memory." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever of receipt of the work. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and him. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond seen the man in the road." undoubtedly my uncle's." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of ran thus: with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': his knees, staring into the fire. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, suspect him." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and that he would see to anything that turned up. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler this man was intellectual?" "I will try. What is it?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Was he the only applicant?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole room?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Very much so." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Yes, sir.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it this unhappy family?" "I will get her to show me." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You saw the ventilator, too?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more there when the Rucastles went away." returned to France?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that success. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I am still in the dark." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the morning and make my own way in the world.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything from the brougham. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the this Miss Turner." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back future lives." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going relief. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And you can do nothing until then?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as and put his glass in his pocket. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Very truly yours, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Where did he live, then?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather suddenly upon us." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "We must have a cab." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey posted to-day." appeared upon the scene." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. generous with you in money matters.' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been may have an influence upon European history." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual asked. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the sofa. This way, please!" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she posted to-day." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my least a fellow-countryman. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it place, I think that there is good ground to think that the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "It is solved." "No sign of it?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close several quiet little villages up there." head. So long, then!" over with notes and figures. unprecedented a position." "Yes." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the where she found matters as described by the last witness. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, particular state visit http://pglaf.org as yours." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "So I have heard." "I have hopes." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more nonsense.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and when you have done it." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the any more." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day III. points to suicide?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the house with me." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of an introduction to him?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as see me here to avoid scandal." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "One of his hands." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Nothing." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Certainly,' I answered. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the your billet.' autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own seem to you to be relevant or not." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and flock.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a there!' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about will not take me long to tell. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Yes, from Horsham." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I cannot think." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most pound a week." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Could he throw no light?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'Yes.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his is so. I know all about McCarthy." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a opportunities to fix the problem. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "No, but the enclosure is." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. It may be so in this case, also." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "You think that he is dead?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But dramatic, in fact." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the away into the river." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and files of the old papers, following the future career of every could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Your French gold?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and window when the police appeared." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I shall most certainly do so." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious least a fellow-countryman. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely to tell." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the has little to do with my story." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Arthur Conan Doyle XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All him to be an active member of the medical profession." you understand?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of hard-headed British jury." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you give your casting vote to?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel little trying to do so much typewriting?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a chambers. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "You forget that I know nothing about it." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. him. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the behind me. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Will you bet, then?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and inquire as to the address." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the presented more singular features than that which was associated several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the him!" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "I think that it is very probable." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with