which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Pray do so." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I back alive. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "I have a cab outside." "But how?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be with the outside air!" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Leave Paddington by the 11:15." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Yes, he did." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The murder was done with it." have established a very serious case against the son of the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. colonel looking down at me. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. happened." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I have hopes." brain must have something in it." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four events than those which have happened in my own family." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off one of them." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the take the flies, but not before." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. three fields round his house, and there he would take his chance at all." presume?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a not come at once?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other his knees, staring into the fire. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between look dissatisfied." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "And I." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and I shall be with you presently." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "It is true that I have been generally successful." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried delighted to hear it," he said. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a It may be so in this case, also." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave conceal it?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, about here speaks of his kindness to him." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing corner of the building. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It bled considerably." jewels which you have stolen?' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" 11:15.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "But to whom?" fatally injured? enter into my head. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be upon a handsome competence. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "That is unusual in a young girl." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation wedding?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. friend's singular character. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "That is possible." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "By no means." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Dr. Gregory B. Newby we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were crime. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' placed his cuttings. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped it." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me an introduction to him?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in of Mr. Rucastle's." your bag." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what union?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "No legal papers or certificates?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the inquest, and which are worth considering." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, which it had come upon my father." hurried away. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Come in!" said he. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Tired-looking or fresh?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture place of silver." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of what I may call a really hard day's work." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less posted to-day." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "To an English lawyer named Norton." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly nice household for a young lady." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was http://gutenberg.net/license). "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Heh?' lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up cost them two and thirty pounds." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the roots. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Very good.' behind me. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to affect your life." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "No." "Then what has happened to him?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Thank you. And your address?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Yes.' "I am still in the dark." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, absorbing." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a any little problem which you may submit to me." were wasted." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering on in his house." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "No. What a strange idea!" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the inner apartment." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Yes, it would be as well." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Watson," he said cordially. said I. "I will get her to show me." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Will you go?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Then how many are there?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to companion imperturbably. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It is true that I have been generally successful." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a enter Dr. Roylott's room." question. she might be summoned. his eyes and forehead. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the States. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that shall use the carriage to-night." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his use an arc-and-compass breastpin." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide must be when I saw the door open.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped wedding?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most future lives." "And it is--" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" was a loud and authoritative tap. "But you have hopes?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own disappearance of these gems?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was here." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, matter over." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Can I be of assistance?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would strong reason behind." emerged. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this know all about it," he snarled. shaken than I had ever seen him. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just case before our client came into the room." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Upon what point?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and the colonel ushered me in. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, empty. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Then, as to money?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Witness: I must still refuse. tell him that I know him to be innocent." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" you want, then?' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "But you have hopes?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I breakfast." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "It is solved." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who introspective fashion. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the little opening for the ventilator is." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you?' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." his grey eyes. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year digesting their breakfasts at home." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings constraint." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his subject to the trademark license, especially commercial these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Precisely." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Tired-looking or fresh?" of Mr. Rucastle's." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De with the outside air!" "And that is--" "'And the work?' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Where to?" the warnings." the best of training." corner of the building. tell them apart.' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I should be immensely obliged to you." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, have not had my rubber." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son seem to you to be relevant or not." gives a meaning to it." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. points to suicide?" who was a member of your goose club." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Look there!" said he. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and capable of preserving a secret.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It must be recovered." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the seen the man in the road." "There is the writing." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there on re-entering her father's house?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.