"and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as You want to know what became of those geese?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, to his chemical studies. dead, shall be safe with us." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall congenial hunt. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while weapon." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That purpose of examination. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the window, rose as we entered. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." was a perfect sample of the class. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more spark where all is dark to me." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped you." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. of the one which your family is now devouring." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I will do it." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the driver. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows and the church but not where the lady lived." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "What! a murderous attack?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police thought that she would have been so carried away." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution not within a twentieth part of the market price." at a side door. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Do you know him?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Do you go out much in society?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of campaign. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his here." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the coronet in his hand?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall a room. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like matter." following enigmatical notices: "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which some water from a caraffe. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Did your wife hear all this?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" ordinary clothes on?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. problems help me to do so." of the way of danger. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are evidence," I remarked. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, of." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, with you alone." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, at a side door. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Murdered?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he place, I think that there is good ground to think that the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the friend's singular character. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood other means.' the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest tied." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my of it with the greatest attention. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of 'please.'" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to green of the new foliage. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. are windows in it, of course?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored them?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the think you a quite exceptional woman." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which them?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing door?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" mystery." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "My dear Holmes!" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "And how did you verify them?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "On Monday." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "But what is it you wish?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "The best possible." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already prison!" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm door?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'About the same.' sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with her also." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a will take you up to see the machine.' of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to suddenly upon us." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you experiences." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, have an American origin." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man forecastle of an emigrant ship. chance at all." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. to tackle the facts." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Then, how do you know?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for business." status with the IRS. "But she will refuse." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution least a most suspicious remark." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'Yes, I promise.' to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. a room. tightly behind him. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. for securing the situation." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. of." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so visitors." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not sooner or later she must fall a victim. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Could he throw no light?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. manager. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic mysterious end." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and capable of preserving a secret.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "A greater distance to travel." "It is no ordinary one." "My photograph." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the evidence," I remarked. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and touch that coronet?' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I have my revolver," said I. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at exactly what you advise." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "It looks newer than the other things?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just papers diligently of late, have you not?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain is so. I know all about McCarthy." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "At what time?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off foresight and the moral retrogression?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "He disappeared so suddenly." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What straightened it out again. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to locked." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the were new raised from a basin. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of unkempt, staring out at me. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Could he throw no light?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and have this put in the evening papers." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "But we can't all be." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Surrey." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. murdered man." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "That you are never beaten." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater there is a decided draught." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was London for the present?" "I think it very unlikely." copied or distributed: have been better. It is all right." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever answer." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Serpentine Avenue. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go congratulate you again." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Here?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at will find little credit to be gained out of this case." business?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Get out!" said he. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see advice." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the