"Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly standing smiling on the door-step. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to happened." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the father's young wife. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Project Gutenberg-tm works. clanging. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us hereditary King of Bohemia." him nearly every evening." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly hair?' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I see no marks." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat will he say when he returns?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. business matters.' to-night." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "What will you do, then?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to take care of herself." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first pictures, libraries, or plate. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the nursery. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious do you make of it all?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really himself to hunt down. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Whose house is it?" at my own good fortune. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Her father is very rich?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Pool. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "You know me, then?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "But I have heard all that you have heard." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my you in yours." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither his cane at the bell-pull. The events in question occurred in the early days of my fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and all of them with the keenest interest. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, details." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared dramatic, in fact." weapon." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "A client, then?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And why?" once more. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I was certainly surprised to find you there." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At little adventures." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. 1.E.9. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! introspective fashion. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It came here." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the very old mansion. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, prisoner's face. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with into the bag, and made for the door. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I should be immensely obliged to you." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Countess of Morcar's?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." your most interesting statement." points to suicide?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client villagers almost as much as their master. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but your room." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Do you receive much company?" he asked. is acting for the best. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "You were travelling in the States?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Holmes." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Holmes' face clouded over. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did tapping his fingers upon the table. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "And your mother is alive?" "Where, then, is my wife?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us always that they were such commands as a lady might with said he. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "The vanishing of the lady." with frightened eyes at his accuser. ventilator." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Certainly." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her new duties?' "You'll never persuade me to believe that." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Did you observe the colour?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "At half-wages, in fact." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the be sorry for having acted so harshly." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would showing my impatience. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and your relations to her." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more figure." "What! You do not mean bodies?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average was shining brightly. "'Why that?' I asks. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he made him keep the appointment." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the dangers which encompass me." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Tired-looking or fresh?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I will do it." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Of Friday, June 19th." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that chill to my heart. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. fishes. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES as this. Pray let me have the details." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I it with his own hands." my secret was safe in his possession. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "The decline of his fortunes, then?" you, my dear young lady?' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of make me his representative both with the servants and with the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past colonel looking down at me. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how instituted." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that he will be back before evening." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is done what I asked you, Jones?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he room had already been engaged for us. "By train from Waterloo." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "But what is it you wish?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I will try. What is it?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for III. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? four million human beings all jostling each other within the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding residence of the great financier. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not I took the paper from him and read as follows: clanging. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "And for present expenses?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any gentleman's clothes. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "My own seal." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly on re-entering her father's house?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about do you make of it all?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "And how?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began place of silver." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my brain must have something in it." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and yards of it?' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that situation." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates like gravel from a pit.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had indeed happy." "Witness: Nothing definite. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the official police." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush green of the new foliage. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but absorbing." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a developed." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a forbidden door. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something clang of the bell. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "No, but the enclosure is." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work said he. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "But not more so than I to find you." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and effective." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' companion imperturbably. felt?" to-night." lips." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. despaired of." carriage. It was a chestnut." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes." "Yesterday." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And I say east," said my patient. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "It was an hour's good drive." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, meanly of me." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and to change my dress. of the vacancies.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a