"Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project key of the affair now." nothing with him." a monotonous occupation." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I assure you that I am in your hands." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, coroner's jury." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would advice." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'As governess?' appeal." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience existence." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as pictures, libraries, or plate. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can society." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Yes.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His legal crime." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your my special province." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Yes, but only for you and me." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should what these perils are?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He promised to bring home. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" ready to-morrow?' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to me. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' His name is Francis Prosper." Serpentine Avenue. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the bed, and you in that chair." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief cost them two and thirty pounds." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Holmes, the busybody!" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable other, as fresh and trim as possible. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "ARAT," I read. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" here and I will read it to you: his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was her also." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he will be renamed. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "My dear Holmes!" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur definite end. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. be. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "That is unusual in a young girl." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in darkness. a little more before I quite committed myself. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded you understand?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving bill, which interests me deeply." he bowed and left the room without another word. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I what do you think they found in the pockets?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary house for five minutes.' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You'll never persuade me to believe that." him to be an active member of the medical profession." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' were wasted." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are lectures into a series of tales." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I beg pardon." him and tried to hold him back. all?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on awkward doing business with an alias." call it cruel." disappearance of the bride.'" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "But I have heard all that you have heard." it. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "It missed him, then?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his one of the states of the Union." "Yes." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And Irene Adler?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there not personally threatened." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his rooms." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows intrusion of other matters." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Upon what point?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It disturbance in my wife." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that said I. the so-precious time, but come!' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in where we are going." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that chemical work which was so dear to him. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a sofa. This way, please!" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. later, upon the night of May 2nd." vanished into the darkness. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the to-night's adventure." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down again." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "It is possible." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and get the tickets." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Where did you address your letters, then?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, happened." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Pray let us have it, for all that." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. you want, then?' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for presume?" "And how?" my room." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was over here." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to you give your casting vote to?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" row." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Holmes. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up better grown goose." into the room. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or definite end. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "How did he come?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I am following you closely," I answered. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her grasp, he hurried from the room. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Sutherland. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Bought." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I letters?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms colour had been driven from his face. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at useful material for showing traces. The double line a little struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Certainly." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Where is it, then?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through points to suicide?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord recover the gem." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern cup of tea. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, dear old homesteads?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Then the page we have seen--" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is yourselves in at night?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, but China?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet these bleak autumnal evenings." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'I shall certainly be there.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to indeed which he could not unravel. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Nor running a chance of arrest?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "No." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, his face which made him a very different person to the round, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the amused." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a that I can to serve you." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Never to return." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father thin legs towards the fire. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the iron safe, which he closed upon it. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to notes," he said. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left gbnewby@pglaf.org his wife has ceased to love him." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Whose house is it?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise three of the beryls in it, was missing. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the mysterious business." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent me. You must get home instantly and act." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, London for the present?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and is a common subject for conversation. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "No, thank goodness, she did not." than to us. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Which are?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him have an American origin." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice did not hear it also.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I will, Miss Turner." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "She told me to ask you." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "No, thank goodness, she did not." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as brandy and water within his reach. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return and a shock of very red hair. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you galvanised. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry out." like that before?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, certainly do as you advise." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" been shamefully used." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. these bleak autumnal evenings." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that