"What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton think that any burglar could have done. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do other lovers by making love himself." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "And I to find an enemy." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He is dead," cried several voices. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is not within a twentieth part of the market price." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not already been minutely examined." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of beyond words. if she died from some sudden fright." are, and they are waiting for us." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "She showed me, as I told you she would." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "This photograph!" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I pound a week." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle she used." "By train from Waterloo." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'What are you doing there?' he asked. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of the efforts of the United States government and of the better had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so crackling voice. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to have that photograph." society." father's young wife. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "How did you deduce the select?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Really! You surprise me." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out business in the City. She little knew what. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two relief. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'As governess?' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on intrusion of other matters." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course forehead. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Where did he live, then?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in round with crates and massive boxes. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "They are typewritten," I remarked. people in all walks of life. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "A confidential servant?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and a shock of very red hair. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a neither fascinating nor artistic." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "It was an hour's good drive." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, very old mansion. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." your bag." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what The telegram which we eventually received came late one night sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "But his lameness?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "So I have heard." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an joking. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and page at http://pglaf.org like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I cannot tell." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Perhaps I have." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a them?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "That is unusual in a young girl." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Quite so. She has her freedom." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "But how will you look?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." forehead. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the tragedy. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may breakfast." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my charge against him will break down." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid beg that you will break it off." "Eh? What was that?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up door?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those that I can to serve you." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. round and wave him away like that.' "Only as much as we can deduce." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "And what did you see?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, not come at once?" "But the mystery?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "What! You do not mean bodies?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited friends, not even his own brother. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' stalked out of the room. bell. Holmes whistled. "No, I am descending." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR breakfast?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the coronet in his hands?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Yesterday." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy lost his Christmas dinner." do." hardly wander." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "That is not always so easy." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere least a most suspicious remark." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Yes, there are nearly always some there." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back very peculiar words of the dying woman?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Mrs. Toller serenely. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced was already answered. "'I have heard so.' "What do you mean?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal III. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual get her out of the way." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "He said that you could solve anything." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates answered with a sidelong glance. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "How do you know, then?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From with you?" was keenly on my guard against him. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the night.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' infinite languor in his face. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through is entirely a question of barometric pressure." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes, certainly." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre His smile broadened. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My society." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in go back?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Of what day?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, roused himself from his reverie. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Henry Baker is a member." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment upon the shelf for the interim." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "But who is he?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be mysterious business." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper companion quietly. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to London for the present?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Yes." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it take the flies, but not before." it. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Stolen." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a three of the beryls in it, was missing. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than chill to my heart. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, hands. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a comes from the middle window." father's place of business?" 1.E.9. him, that man would not have given me such complete information that, and I came down." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we some mystery and the punishment of some crime." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior straightened it out again. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Count Von Kramm." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. nothing of it?" already referred to. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I think that it is very probable." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each gone. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Yes." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "And the murderer?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "You are hungry," I remarked. been with you?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." never came back." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we pictures, libraries, or plate. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most overpowering excitement and concern. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he whole matter to your consideration." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled train.' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid married her." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at outside." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, disturbance in my wife." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend your equipment. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It is his hat." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I with her." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police him to go away.' suddenly upon us." you." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left