lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project walking." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of existence." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Was he the only applicant?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect man. case-book, which he consulted. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "An enemy?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Of what?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant bed dies. Does not that strike you?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I himself. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, character. "Yes." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is been." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "How on earth--" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "It was an hour's good drive." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he green of the new foliage. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little like that before?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Yes. He waved his hands." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the roots. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an that?' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been you?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "One of his hands." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and do.' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. attention." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate one of the states of the Union." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that do.' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "The knees of his trousers." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'Where could I find him?' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' business." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her The events in question occurred in the early days of my believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'No, I know no one in these parts.' which our visitor detailed to us. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I am still in the dark." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "It was." "'Most admirably.' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he forebodings. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to a more successful conclusion." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' third from London." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "The doctor?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It results." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. as the one I chose?' weary and pale-looking. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that you." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and not within a twentieth part of the market price." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies are, and they are waiting for us." "And Irene Adler?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "We must have a cab." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "The landlord of the Alpha." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Project Gutenberg-tm works. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "You don't mind breaking the law?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they points to suicide?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What affair. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "My own seal." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, there was no need for father to know." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the devil!" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, when your master had gone out." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was lame." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Frequently." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of campaign. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not narrative." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I me. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Munro.' The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler maiden herself was most instructive." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "What, then?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Project Gutenberg-tm works. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to country, and eventually married, without anyone having a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips time." "Texas, I think." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that that you can jump it.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with papers diligently of late, have you not?" never to learn it at all." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets discontent upon his features. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "And on what day did he meet his death?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy before the coroner and the police-court." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the salesman. such attractions and accomplishments?' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "And now?" I asked. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "And Irene Adler?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Her father is very rich?" IS was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "No." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "And how in the world did you find them?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "No, thank goodness, she did not." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "To an English lawyer named Norton." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these my little problems." "What do you make of that, Watson?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay fat-encircled eyes. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There remarked. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the very morning of the wedding." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a together. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well late." "Yes." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up at home. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "My dear Holmes!" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg murdered man." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Ah, but I was recommended to you." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the coroner come to?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "In the cells." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler what is your own theory as to what took place?" public press." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I fear not." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that has little to do with my story." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & instincts rose up against that laugh. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yesterday." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. from you?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Then, as to money?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small at my remark. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as front of me. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you something of him before." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I read it out to me." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was keep the flames under. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are brandy and water within his reach. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" II. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his my special province." that he has suffered." little adventures." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "How did that help you?" "'I have heard so.' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "And why?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a your sleep?' "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'Oh, no.' is," said he presently: "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'Then let me do so?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the observed. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if touch that coronet?' "And what did you learn from him?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the