At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. prisoner's face. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I cannot tell." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her his knees, staring into the fire. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "May I see it?" Holmes' thin, eager face. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I should be so warm over such a trifle." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I am following you closely," I answered. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "And help." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, never came back." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Is purely nominal.' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. comes from the middle window." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg in my life." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'About the same.' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the way: once more on the important position which you have been fortunate occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Will you bet, then?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "And help." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Nothing." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. locked." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the call for it in person on Monday morning.' "You have carte blanche." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When instincts rose up against that laugh. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the night.' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous and no precautions can guard against." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Never." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the third from London." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It certainly sounds feasible." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the something of him before." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the you." McCarthy." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main young Openshaw's." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our to go into your room and bar your shutters?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you awaited us upon the table. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible fact, we may call it conclusive." "And now?" I asked. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the clanging. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no highly," said Holmes. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from what is your own theory as to what took place?" disappearance of these gems?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Yes." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "It is half-past ten now." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Very much so." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be details should find their way into the papers. Inspector to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Yes, at the mines." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be sofa. This way, please!" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on my secret was safe in his possession. "I cannot tell." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. companion. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "The landlord of the Alpha." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to fasten all the windows?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place been." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two any more." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her fattened it expressly for you.' me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and that he would see to anything that turned up. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Now, then, what's the last entry?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which very old mansion. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as unkempt, staring out at me. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" secret." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the inquest, and which are worth considering." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Who was the criminal, then?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very God! What an exposure! What can I do?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "A greater distance to travel." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very conversation I have gathered that they have been married about McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the DISSOLVED. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply be best to do. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the passage and a tap at the door. "Game for a morning drive?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sofa. This way, please!" do." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Yes." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, fact, we may call it conclusive." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Nothing?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Was he the only applicant?" "How can you tell that?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I don't believe it." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I see no marks." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, mystery!" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small opened the door, and slipped through. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you to me. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite key turn in the lock." you give your casting vote to?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize any." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at delirious. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out tied." "At the wedding breakfast." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I anything to do with the matter?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a been shamefully used." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they careless servant girl?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted coat-tails." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the warnings." out." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how people in all walks of life. "In answer to an advertisement." http://www.gutenberg.net is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "No, finished." laugh and put his lips to my ear. where we are going." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his of." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, occurred." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an come either from the window or the door. My attention was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "The doctor?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "You are all wrong." "Very. But will he see it?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country tension within him. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "He is dead," cried several voices. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about to-night." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two walking." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in distinguish the words: seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Never to return." digesting their breakfasts at home." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, his cane at the bell-pull. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an floor. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the not come at once?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone any." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You were travelling in the States?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and long narrative. Miss Holder?" "He said that you could solve anything." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." public press." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I generous with you in money matters.' "'Never,' said I. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "No." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is prepare for the new role I have to play." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the think that he is innocent?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Very good.' had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "An enemy?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage until night should bring an explanation. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally