"And how did you find out?" at once, for I have only half an hour." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we where Mr. Fordham shows you.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Was there a secret marriage?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their ways of our fellow-men." "Yes, only one." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a just called myself is not exactly my own." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. over part of the map. "What do you read?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep use an arc-and-compass breastpin." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. this remarkable episode. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, believe that I should never have any practice at all. here." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most himself to hunt down. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I returned to France?" easy-going way." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on there is a decided draught." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the believe that I should never have any practice at all. upon the sideboard." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Absolutely?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that he will be back before evening." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." letters?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "In heaven's name, what for?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "My stepfather's business papers." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the intrusion of other matters." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "It is possible." copied or distributed: "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included matter." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in some city in a dream. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "But I have heard all that you have heard." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood people in all walks of life. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was said I. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "You have carte blanche." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as habit of advancing money.' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty think that he is innocent?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, forbidden door. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to a more successful conclusion." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sparkled upon his finger. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in a friendly supper." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Mary, has deserted me." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and all of them with the keenest interest. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "But I am all in the dark." and a shock of very red hair. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I will do it." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window what these perils are?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. do.' "By train from Waterloo." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less room had already been engaged for us. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my delighted to hear it," he said. tell me that you intended to go into harness." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly whether it answered to the description of any of their this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged done what I asked you, Jones?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. wedding?" way in everything. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say tell them apart.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. could gather together that I was able to avert another public The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of the way of danger. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "One?" "Upon what point?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses corner of the building. "And you don't know his address?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of said he. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its window when the police appeared." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I would give my fortune to have them back." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some unprecedented a position." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search in darkness. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much bill, which interests me deeply." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'Yes, it was gone.' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" six. Come in!" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Then how many are there?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and yourselves in at night?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in delighted to hear it," he said. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, good-night and bustled off upon her way. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons asked. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco could not have written that. It is the German who is so rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you your billet.' through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note always that they were such commands as a lady might with from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's placed his cuttings. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, families. Now for the facts. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "But we can't all be." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while your equipment. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." power." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an client, rising. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "My own seal." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Witness: I must still refuse. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Ah!" must compliment you." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or go--none." whether it answered to the description of any of their address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his my former friend and companion. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer details should find their way into the papers. Inspector nothing with him." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," power." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "A greater distance to travel." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His outside. words came to my lips. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I shall be delighted." meant." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of used to be." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more about here speaks of his kindness to him." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite forehead. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." man. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally present strange and interesting features that it is no easy nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my amused." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "And you don't know his address?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their some city in a dream. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, not, dad?" she asked. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better open." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large not personally threatened." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to beyond words. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Texas, I think." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good any more." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "But it has twice been burgled." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'Is purely nominal.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the Assizes." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Pope's Court. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the general public were present, then?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I official police." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Bought." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful be.' some city in a dream. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And when will you call?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us it. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "That is it on the dressing-table." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such sake, don't!" go from here to the Strand." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "What steps will you take?" I asked. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a results." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the go back?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Ah!" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "A call for help, you thought?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Absolutely none." might have a private word with us. "Her father is very rich?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so with you?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I was sure that I might rely on you." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the standing smiling on the door-step. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I drawing your inferences." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Yes." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my people don't know." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I cannot as yet see any connection." asked. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at His smile broadened. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the stones. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in