away to you." "I should wish to." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I man. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Yes." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a straightened it out again. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled outsides of the windows. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "A greater distance to travel." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his fortune, and I went back to pa. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'Yes, sir.' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Then I can wait in the next room." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise in this note: "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon bird of prey. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "But how could you guess what the motive was?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "And that is--" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in his hands." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you following enigmatical notices: a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which enter Dr. Roylott's room." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the inner apartment." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the tell him that I know him to be innocent." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round he died? never to learn it at all." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried I leave." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the she used." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came distance from the station, and there we found the young lady minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew sound at heart." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the careless servant girl?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which fatally injured? surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Upon what point?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." most interesting one." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "ARAT," I read. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address colonel looking down at me. out of this horrible affair." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off colonel looking down at me. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to me. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Will you go?" was a lad." directors, with the result that you have seen." "It surprised me." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which to a more successful conclusion." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and I shall be with you presently." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, did not hear it also.' photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small indiscretion." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid writer." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "What steps will you take?" I asked. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong wall." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" experiences." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the more terrible than the truth. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "What! a murderous attack?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Is he quiet?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her one of the states of the Union." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon public press." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Mary, has deserted me." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "There is the writing." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and over with notes and figures. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Pray continue your narrative." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or questioning and rather startled gaze. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. your only hope of safety." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly writer." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Street. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "ARAT," I read. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yes." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's that?' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied cigars in their mouths. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." writer." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Oh, fresh and glossy." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Holmes rather sternly. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish envelope. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry daring than any effort of the imagination." other lovers by making love himself." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "That's no good." DAMAGE. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "It is very kind of you." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net anything to do with the matter?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I think that it is very probable." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I don't say that. Perhaps." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on have one." "I think it very unlikely." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Pray let us have it, for all that." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Yes. He waved his hands." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not more solid." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Married! When?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Her father is very rich?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't politicians who had been sent down from the North. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and when your master had gone out." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much figure." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have third from London." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down legal crime." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'Which dealer's?' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we there is a decided draught." had formerly been in part my own. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" light and attacked it." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said be sorry for having acted so harshly." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of made his money." and inquire as to the address." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. him!" "Yes." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with straightened it out again. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less country, and eventually married, without anyone having a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an clanging. "Stoke Moran?" said he. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "You were travelling in the States?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the weary and pale-looking. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "She will not sell." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed hands. rat could hardly pass through." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were I think that I could be of assistance to you." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they skylight. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might there has been an enclosure here!" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You were travelling in the States?" "No." congenial hunt. main points of my analysis." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his again, where I was soon asleep. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I don't believe it." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot awkward doing business with an alias." me what he had done with the three missing stones. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "But you would not advise me to refuse?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have one of the states of the Union." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I know where it is."