he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Proceed, then." unprofitable." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, guilty parties." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Then the page we have seen--" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But he might be a bachelor." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback jewels which you have stolen?' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I will get her to show me." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" forebodings. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "What then?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "And what did you learn from him?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than night.' said he. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the again, where I was soon asleep. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and are, and they are waiting for us." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the I nodded to show that I had heard. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. said he. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Never.' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really public press." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I am in hopes that she does." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his had a long day." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be points to suicide?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Do you receive much company?" he asked. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I your sleep?' there has been an enclosure here!" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" if only as a check to my own memory." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our where Mr. Fordham shows you.' forbidden door. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Stoke Moran?" said he. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a skylight. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded to a more successful conclusion." not personally threatened." I leave." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the fact, we may call it conclusive." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Of what day?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "By all means." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the quick march!" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to recover the gem." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the window, rose as we entered. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction laugh and put his lips to my ear. just ask you whether you had heard it.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the good for you to do.' analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Yes, from Horsham." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it enter Dr. Roylott's room." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "No, my brougham is waiting." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into standing smiling on the door-step. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "But she could not love him." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas depend upon your compliance." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "What can it mean?" I gasped. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "There is the writing." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "It is very clear." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to way: "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. could go. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the get her out of the way." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a For additional contact information: it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." works. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the spark where all is dark to me." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is tied." you." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" tapping his fingers upon the table. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the better grown goose." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy to take care of herself." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then for and were ordered to this address. direction." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Young McCarthy must be got off, however." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates call the police, let the police find what they can.' go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of upon a handsome competence. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Certainly not.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of against a man in the prime of life?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out made his money." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the generous with you in money matters.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that to go into your room and bar your shutters?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Here?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "No more words. Get out!" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people asked. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Certainly not. But why?' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Certainly, madam." that there was nothing in it, after all." before the coroner and the police-court." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore you." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you instincts rose up against that laugh. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Again Holmes raved in the air. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "And you don't know his address?" dates and names. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I would pay ten." stalked out of the room. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can happened." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared important." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Ample." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You will not go there first?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Pray continue your narrative." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety I. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it McCarthy's innocence. way in." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear for the market.' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his wife has ceased to love him." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, said I. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. His smile broadened. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the himself to tell his story. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was a loud and authoritative tap. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the bottom.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Married! When?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' whereabouts. the general public were present, then?" "The best possible." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Perhaps I have." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "No, thank goodness, she did not." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I get the tickets." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I views." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of he. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and British peeress.'" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "But who is he?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'Never,' said I. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and said he. crime." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Was the window open?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Where, then?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "No. What a strange idea!" with the outside air!" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Nothing." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "If I can be of use." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and eat it." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head asked. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very