room. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Yes, sir.' so.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we His smile broadened. round and wave him away like that.' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you but preventing her from injuring another. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it will not take me long to tell. "I will try. What is it?" him and tried to hold him back. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows to-night?' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So dear old homesteads?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the to Leatherhead. "To the police?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." at my own good fortune. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the flock.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'What then?' I asked. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any minor matters until to-morrow." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "And it is--" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'What then?' I asked. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Which dealer's?' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Oh, yes, easily." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Proceed, then." Lee, in the county of Kent." "Then, how do you know?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "It is possible." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' congenial hunt. Foundation and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, writer." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in see me here to avoid scandal." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sparkled upon his finger. one else, I think." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Doctor, of the paper and the date." Holmes rather sternly. certainly do as you advise." "Why did you pick him?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "How many? I don't know." this unhappy family?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was to talk it over. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of mysterious end." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Foundation got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes tied." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Not I." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case events than those which have happened in my own family." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "She told me to ask you." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Nothing." "I say it is." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It is possible." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Do you receive much company?" he asked. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the horse could go." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter The King stared at him in amazement. several quiet little villages up there." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sit on the left-hand side of the driver." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "It may not come to that," said Holmes. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I am to be neutral?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "An accident, I presume?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. third from London." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Oh, no.' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. just called myself is not exactly my own." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Literary Archive Foundation "No good news?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his as he remarks, very much against the son." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Yes." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Bought." have an American origin." touch that coronet?' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I been able to understand it, in a very few words. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "You don't mind breaking the law?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "What! a murderous attack?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall burst into a hearty fit of laughter. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the bottom.' "What is it, then--a fire?" call it cruel." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Have you good authority for what you say?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "One of the highest in England." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off you for a few hours?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes, that is the Crown." "Where did he live, then?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." hands. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "None." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich had picked up in the wood. ceremony." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and have one." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for mystery." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." allusion to a rat. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Have you good authority for what you say?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have instincts rose up against that laugh. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage sofa. This way, please!" papers diligently of late, have you not?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about bill, which interests me deeply." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, closely." "Entirely." girl said." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Murdered?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to 'please.'" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid used to be." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. wall." with some details as to your case." it. upon a handsome competence. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom disturbance in my wife." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am their singular warning or token before them when starting upon is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will You want to know what became of those geese?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Yes, he did." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable secret." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left undoubtedly my uncle's." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, seven miles from Eyford Station.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive woven round him. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "She told me to ask you." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'Yes, it was gone.' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the unkempt, staring out at me. possible that we could bring him back to her? science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Lee, in the county of Kent." think that any burglar could have done. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, digesting their breakfasts at home." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man done what I asked you, Jones?" skylight. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of hopeless attempt at recovering them." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Were they all fastened this morning?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Certainly, madam." to a light-house. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it him and tried to hold him back. "I cannot as yet see any connection." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' events than those which have happened in my own family." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, upon a handsome competence. hurried away. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "You forget that I know nothing about it." a little more before I quite committed myself. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each she used." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the meant." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and man. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Nothing." take the flies, but not before." "So I am. Very much so." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector