"Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Pray continue your narrative." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, question," said Holmes, smiling. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, feature." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late spark where all is dark to me." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it." from you?" "I would pay ten." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the south-west, I see." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place showing my impatience. "Not social, then?" of this gang." "The King of Scandinavia." way: you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "10th. John Swain cleared. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the matter." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "But how?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "We were both in the photograph." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right said he at last. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable him to be an active member of the medical profession." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied was a loud and authoritative tap. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for true." arrangements." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I cannot imagine." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before of the one which your family is now devouring." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight coat-tails." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and that he would see to anything that turned up. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' humiliation." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are 'please.'" to a more successful conclusion." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: direction." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he was feeling which was the fattest.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Where did he live, then?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his definite end. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "He slept on the premises." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her any more." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the window, rose as we entered. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "No, but the enclosure is." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I think it very unlikely." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'And what salary do you ask?' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Where, then?" "'Where to?' learned something! Where are the gems?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "That is also quite modern," said the lady. be sorry for having acted so harshly." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well obstinate." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a have accepted such a situation. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. 1.E.9. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the business in the City. She little knew what. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Certainly." have got?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and effective." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which was all perfectly true. that there was nothing in it, after all." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I was mad--insane." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from friend's singular character. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say learned something! Where are the gems?" experiences." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "We must have a cab." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has address. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and quickly through a disagreeable task. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, I nodded again. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is at my own good fortune. asked with his eyes open. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Your presence might be invaluable." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. For additional contact information: he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should fat-encircled eyes. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I know where it is." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Farm upon the left." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "When did it break out?" about. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend not use it unless it is absolutely needed." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a results." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white girl said." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a with the outside air!" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "What will you do, then?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Ample." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the exactly what you advise." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in late!' this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same cigar and let me expound." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which father's place of business?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or of a light. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the upon a handsome competence. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "And Irene Adler?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how writer." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in you want, then?' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his back into the street. retorted upon me, and I on you." "Stolen, then." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "This concluded the examination of the witness." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had question you as to those details which seem to me to be most rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "It is solved." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. bell. Holmes whistled. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the signal between you and your father? then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said cigar and let me expound." "Yes, all." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that fire. You quite follow me?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to take care of herself." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I know where it is." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, him and tried to hold him back. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a with some details as to your case." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very touch that coronet?' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "From his hat?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my suspect him." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put have had none more fantastic than this." were unconscious?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less south, for the country is more deserted there." Pope's Court. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "How many? I don't know." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were have got?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "A greater distance to travel." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'I am sure that I do not know.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. all-comprehensive glances. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard shag which I had seen upon the previous night. breakfast." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague awaited us upon the table. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "If I can be of use." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Where did you address your letters, then?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I will do it." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Certainly." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would was a loud and authoritative tap. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the advice." with you?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, evidence," I remarked. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "What shall I do?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls know that the truth is known." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for get her out of the way." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have locked." "Then I am your man." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from seem to you to be relevant or not." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "They are typewritten," I remarked. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any