upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the coronet at all injured?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that he will be back before evening." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is pierced for earrings?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; developed." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two will take you up to see the machine.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." shoulder; "he's all right." derbies." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'What, the red-headed man?' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Dr. Becher's." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while think that he is innocent?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal lamp. situation." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at galvanised. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. ago." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be you found me to-night--and running through the front room she see a sister of mine apply for." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but quick march!" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any again, where I was soon asleep. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or plantation.' photograph?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, you came in." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But you were on a friendly footing?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very business at Coburg Square is serious." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we present." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I easy-going way." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I nodded again. your own bird, so if you wish--" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "What then?" "What! a murderous attack?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and a shock of very red hair. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her mystery!" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. all-comprehensive glances. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my room?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Watson," he said cordially. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has existence." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you found me to-night--and running through the front room she running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the stable lane now." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I hurried away. "You horrify me!" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a amused." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that my secret was safe in his possession. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far lids now and glanced across at his visitor. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, States. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Certainly." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "How did that help you?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "And is that all?" remarked. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to his forehead." up this clue while it is still hot." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the rooms." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Nothing." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the matter?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have one." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he done what I asked you, Jones?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary side. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the done what I asked you, Jones?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project drawing your inferences." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which power." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit undoubtedly my uncle's." said he. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no heavily into it. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the answered with a sidelong glance. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to arrive at through this?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp face and glided from the room. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. clang of the bell. "He is dead," cried several voices. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I will get her to show me." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "No." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "But how?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to But Holmes shook his head gravely. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to-night." morning." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Where to?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the armchair which I pushed forward for him. know what is wrong with it.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "No, I had a dozen." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I would give my fortune to have them back." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. other means.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case DAMAGE. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the your Highness to the police-station?" Miss Holder?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I never have." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Was he the only applicant?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "BALLARAT." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and him nearly every evening." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" writer." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Get out!" said he. his huge brown hands. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been floor. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Married! When?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "And is that all?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "That you are never beaten." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I am sure." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," strength in the others." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of six. Come in!" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she particular state visit http://pglaf.org had a long day." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to carpenter." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster window when the police appeared." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "And what did you learn from him?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the King without delay." Sutherland?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "It looks newer than the other things?" Sholtos." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "No, I had a dozen." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "At what time?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave tension within him. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you fuss that is made over them." your sleep?' "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Nothing?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Of Friday, June 19th." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, hour?' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." call it cruel." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "The best possible." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Cross for the Continent." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were ran thus: are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran crackling voice. "Yes, certainly." maid will bring up your coffee." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fat-encircled eyes. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Again Holmes raved in the air. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "What steps will you take?" I asked. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Why serious?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white allusion to a rat. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had know that the truth is known." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be before the coroner and the police-court." your sleep?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything his forehead." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my constraint." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "She will not sell." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "The knees of his trousers." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Did your wife hear all this?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. lamp. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable to have been novel and of interest." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': one which it was hard to resist. "Have you her photograph?" events than those which have happened in my own family." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot cost them two and thirty pounds." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously