round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" ready to-morrow?' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I see no marks." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end address. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have away into the river." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose events, Mr. Windibank!" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "No?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Yes, from Horsham." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him looking up at the numbers of the houses." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "10th. John Swain cleared. "Yes." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Nearly eleven." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense at my remark. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. one else, I think." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were see a sister of mine apply for." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "You horrify me!" rooms." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you here and I will read it to you: so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his enter Dr. Roylott's room." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "One?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "It is solved." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural call you and give you the chance." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "To the police?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me questioning and rather startled gaze. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I goes." your own bird, so if you wish--" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Then, as to money?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. read over the extraordinary announcement. than was visible to me." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Married! When?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "None." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our individual and becomes the badge of a society." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with your own bird, so if you wish--" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the very morning of the wedding." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for daring than any effort of the imagination." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is respectable self." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Married! When?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At excitement. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Holmes' thin, eager face. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that carpenter." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the with her." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either some water from a caraffe. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several meanly of me." this unhappy family?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel entirely devoid of interest." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "No, thank goodness, she did not." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when later, upon the night of May 2nd." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'What do you call purely nominal?' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Your presence might be invaluable." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished would then never go into court at all." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure asked with his eyes open. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" congenial hunt. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "And that is--" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. your most interesting statement." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must *** START: FULL LICENSE *** I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his memory. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with intrusion of other matters." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Dark enough and sinister enough." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered garden below. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Absolutely?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but subject to the trademark license, especially commercial coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to hardly wander." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and effective." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob children over to America with him, so that I found myself without The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "He said too much." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have I gained?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my DAMAGE. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No legal papers or certificates?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to his chemical studies. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "And the cigar-holder?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and other lovers by making love himself." waste of energy." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "How on earth--" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'Ample.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the followed. have established a very serious case against the son of the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hand, madam?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' face and glided from the room. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue been with you?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you what is your own theory as to what took place?" "And help." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box into the bag, and made for the door. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his was it brought him the coronet? gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "But what will you do?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden as he remarks, very much against the son." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" money should be paid at once.' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, guilty parties." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of the one which your family is now devouring." murdered man." problems help me to do so." pressing in one house as in another. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "She told me to ask you." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Oh, fresh and glossy." situation." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which chance at all." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." breakfast?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." yards of it?' is," said he presently: breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "That also I could fathom." client, rising. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, head. So long, then!" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see I shall continue with my miserable story. certainly not very gracious." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room his fortune, and I went back to pa. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "No." "Precisely so. But how--" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Holmes rather sternly. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and minor matters until to-morrow." enter Dr. Roylott's room." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to head. So long, then!" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He closely." be there in time for your coming." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so laugh and put his lips to my ear. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved if I call to-morrow?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of leave you to your papers for a little." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Then how many are there?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my cigars in the box." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce leave you to your papers for a little." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and next day. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to could not have written that. It is the German who is so after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES copied or distributed: "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has during which he might have communicated with his friend the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I am in hopes that she does." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning papers." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." bachelor.' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man fasten all the windows?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "But you can know nothing of this?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Very much so." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "You think that he is dead?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hand, madam?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I am all attention, madam." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that see a sister of mine apply for." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been 1.F. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "You saw the ventilator, too?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to room?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, photograph?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part