I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I room. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the behind me. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "No, I had a dozen." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is when you have done it." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The summons was a brief and urgent one. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, chemical work which was so dear to him. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'Never,' said I. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. or other trace. But how on earth--" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend recover the gem." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to cigars in the box." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it security.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Well?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I do." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange you." will take you up to see the machine.' gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such narrative." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern figure." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, remarked. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative you?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner province." and laid it on the table. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and than to us. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." again on its way. the little opening for the ventilator is." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and your relations to her." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Which are?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' seem to you to be relevant or not." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in depend upon my doing so.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." orange pips. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had no one to advise her at such a crisis." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Of what day?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social events, Mr. Windibank!" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the just called myself is not exactly my own." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the you do it in twenty minutes!' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked again, where I was soon asleep. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Nor running a chance of arrest?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little unprecedented a position." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a 1.E.9. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "VIOLET HUNTER." must compliment you." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are again." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes, at the mines." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some him to be an active member of the medical profession." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" telegram would bring me down to your help." it were putty." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong that before taking the final step I should like to submit the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "And how did you verify them?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, outbreak?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to address. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and wait." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. locked." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between questionable one." retorted upon me, and I on you." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying next day. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The telegram which we eventually received came late one night empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'And what salary do you ask?' Holmes." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that know all about it," he snarled. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land what is your own theory as to what took place?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "He said too much." "Yes." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would fire. You quite follow me?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of upon the white wrist. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through crime. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When wall." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." IS Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Just look it up, then." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I cannot tell." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "No." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It certainly sounds feasible." which we had just quitted. "But you can know nothing of this?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "It must be recovered." was a loud and authoritative tap. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I was sure that I might rely on you." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative what I may call a really hard day's work." "Not particularly." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. a good hundred miles off by now." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "But of what society?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had enough to aid us in our search." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I we went to search for him, face downward in a little the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together garden below. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He very morning of my second wedding." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the prison!" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. For additional contact information: have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not you." derbies." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Watson," he said cordially. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I was mad--insane." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "And that is--" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "So it appears." "Well." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest hair?' placed his cuttings. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words towards the blaze. "And how did you verify them?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Stolen." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to he died? is now desirous of getting those letters back." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I not, dad?" she asked. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Well, some hundreds of times." which our visitor detailed to us. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside all that?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I promise," said Holmes. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'And the work?' "She showed me, as I told you she would." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "But to whom?" started for the Temple to see my husband. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my weary and pale-looking. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was keep the flames under. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "How can you tell that?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. that he has suffered." wedding?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "And now?" He raised his hand. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "None." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Then I am your man." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I character. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that as he remarks, very much against the son." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the overpowering excitement and concern. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "To ruin me." be there in time for your coming." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, such person." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that key turn in the lock." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point on in his house." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just detective. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here hereditary King of Bohemia." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been to surprise her." money should be paid at once.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me forebodings. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a derbies." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has definite end. "I say that I have solved it." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Yes, they were peculiar boots." writing, and yet I know it well." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Stoke Moran?" said he. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Then, how do you know?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's bird I ate is country bred." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Yes, that is the Crown." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fire. You quite follow me?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his happened." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the armchair which I pushed forward for him. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'Yes, sir.' do.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the to tell." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear made his money." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no drawing your inferences." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "She will not sell." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, you in yours." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window affection." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "You think that he is dead?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked.