you found me to-night--and running through the front room she painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not towards the blaze. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when question," said Holmes, smiling. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "It is possible." "Stolen, then." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in leave you to your papers for a little." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole appeal." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'You cannot say what it was?' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent lips." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" pressing in one house as in another. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had tell me that you intended to go into harness." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg of fine shops and stately business premises that they really was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian wedding?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help nights." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "You don't mind breaking the law?" during that time.' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "What are they?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet what is your own theory as to what took place?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "It is half-past ten now." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I will get her to show me." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Nothing." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell populous neighbourhood." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the fled together." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and entirely lost his self-respect." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips have got?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as most interesting one." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps You want to know what became of those geese?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down chill to my heart. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Look there!" said he. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of in one or two places in England?' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Certainly." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you own family. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it fire. You quite follow me?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. to take care of herself." "And on what day did he meet his death?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a than to us. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is tied." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not me what he had done with the three missing stones. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended any more." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "It is very clear." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey strong and stiff." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, II. Mary, has deserted me." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months national property. I was determined that the law should have its overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "10th. John Swain cleared. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What shall I do?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than touch that coronet?' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I your co-operation." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong persecution?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was think that any burglar could have done. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Were they all fastened this morning?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "'Yes, I promise.' all?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were that you saw all that I did." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to seven miles from Eyford Station.' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Was there a secret marriage?" which we had just quitted. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the towards the blaze. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector of the way of danger. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "It's nothing of the kind." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should believe that I should never have any practice at all. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Then I shall certainly come." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my once more for Briony Lodge. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the side-table." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Who was the criminal, then?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that think you a quite exceptional woman." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Did your wife hear all this?" "And your mother is alive?" "At half-wages, in fact." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his enter into my head. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and good for you to do.' over part of the map. "What do you read?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses towards the blaze. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "And for present expenses?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I never have." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest at home. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** little trying to do so much typewriting?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Thank you. And your address?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. acted in my house last night?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Yes." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the one as in the other." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." chair. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he read over the extraordinary announcement. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Were they all fastened this morning?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I cannot tell." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I am still in the dark." the King without delay." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face would then never go into court at all." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' business came to an end." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the straighten it?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, all?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the room while you explain this matter?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the best of training." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the secret." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees lips." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was brain must have something in it." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "What is it, then--a fire?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "And how?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am have established a very serious case against the son of the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hopeless attempt at recovering them." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "The King of Scandinavia." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as tear off another piece?' "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "You horrify me." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her 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 "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up examination of the premises, but without finding anything which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Lee, in the county of Kent." 11:15.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "How often?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to-morrow." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "It is to him that this trophy belongs." back to my heart. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "That sounds a little paradoxical." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Never,' said I. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I one's self under obligations.' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Was the window open?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I should be immensely obliged to you." only touch the interest." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in politicians who had been sent down from the North. goes." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very yards of it?' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. for the market.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to yards of it?' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and I shall be with you presently." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a a monotonous occupation." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the yet." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "What can it mean?" I gasped. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Yes." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest children over to America with him, so that I found myself without are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK