"Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and outsides of the windows. laugh and put his lips to my ear. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "No." "Well, but China?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "And that is--" His name is Francis Prosper." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I will try. What is it?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The along the entire front of the house, with three long windows cost them two and thirty pounds." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling behind me. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the that?' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Ample.' buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his noise which awoke you from your sleep?" imbecility!" he cried. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "We were both in the photograph." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I will do it." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the companion. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to cost them two and thirty pounds." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the stones. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "No, I am descending." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled chamber." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose maiden herself was most instructive." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "And how did he make his money?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the armchair which I pushed forward for him. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, back alive. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Holmes, the busybody!" call for it in person on Monday morning.' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "And why in hopes?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** developed." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Yes." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of a very grave face. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door telegram would bring me down to your help." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook lamp in his hand. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. posted to-day." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and straightened it out again. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us long narrative. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think I held the little printed slip to the light. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, with you?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "In answer to an advertisement." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Why did you pick him?" III. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster bell. Holmes whistled. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are likely to be some crony of the landlady's." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a were new raised from a basin. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of you." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "And you don't know his address?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any point in the dark hollow of his hand. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You have compromised yourself seriously." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. his eyes and forehead. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for behind me. "Then you may be so with me." "And did you observe any change in her then?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and national property. I was determined that the law should have its heavily into it. conduct the inquiry." you." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "And what did you see?" next day. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. my little problems." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back was keenly on my guard against him. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. page at http://pglaf.org of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first searched, without anything being found which could incriminate ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our learned something! Where are the gems?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "None." "Will you bet, then?" one's self under obligations.' without a word or a look. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and attention." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is pierced for earrings?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "You have the photograph?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "It is a murder, then?" tapping his fingers upon the table. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to a more successful conclusion." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation she used." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "I will not look." "He said too much." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." from the brougham. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Your French gold?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It's nothing of the kind." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King have got?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the driver. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A footfalls from the street. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very detective. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "What office?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I held the little printed slip to the light. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in with her." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "But what will you do?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." over here." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, vault. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "My last client of the sort was a king." grasp, he hurried from the room. "Yes, he did." bachelor.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding up this clue while it is still hot." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the inquest, and which are worth considering." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have yourselves in at night?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to some other building. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations know what is wrong with it.' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the jewels which you have stolen?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Pray do so." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew other lovers by making love himself." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in my life." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular someone who had been in Australia." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar chill to my heart. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He because she had spent so short a time in this country that she of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was shining brightly. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fat-encircled eyes. I took the paper from him and read as follows: a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Yes, but only for you and me." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the come either from the window or the door. My attention was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Absolutely?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I window when the police appeared." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise he. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "My dear Holmes!" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "My own seal." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of highroad, where all traces were lost. to you." his grey eyes. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes public press." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under British peeress.'" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary where she found matters as described by the last witness. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being handed it to him. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I in this note: matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, unclasping of his long thin hands. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my and all of them with the keenest interest. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Yes, he did." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "A greater distance to travel." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a may have an influence upon European history." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and a shock of very red hair. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to silent! Oh, he will be silent!' time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Pray do so." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as one of them." views." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "You are all wrong." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to Leatherhead. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now him to be an active member of the medical profession." for the market.' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so to arrive at through this?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him down from London to inquire more deeply into it." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or other means.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out that you wished to speak to me?' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the skylight. http://gutenberg.net/license). of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Then you may entirely rely on me." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice such attractions and accomplishments?' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven shoulder. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my