the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Never." outside." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful particular state visit http://pglaf.org plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes enter into my head. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the at once, for I have only half an hour." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which both be extremely obliged.' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I made him keep the appointment." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "None." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck subject to the trademark license, especially commercial think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it occupations.' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Whose house is it?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Lee, in the county of Kent." within hail.' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "And what did you learn from him?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Never.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the little opening for the ventilator is." "He disappeared so suddenly." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, of your young ladies.' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich companion. DISSOLVED. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Quite so. She has her freedom." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught there was no need for father to know." here." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Entirely." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch his knees, staring into the fire. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, that you can jump it.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the you in your example." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Serpentine Avenue. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "You are hungry," I remarked. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." business at Coburg Square is serious." His name is Francis Prosper." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have such person." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day where we are going." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the house with me." in my life." money should be paid at once.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "An enemy?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she know that the truth is known." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no in his hands." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always true." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my The police have openly confessed that they can at present make yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Never to return." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I am sure." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "I do." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The events in question occurred in the early days of my has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. I. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have lamp. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. mystery!" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "But what is it you wish?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Certainly." British peeress.'" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly noting anything else of interest. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah system of imprisonment?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an could go. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom cigars in their mouths. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no me. You must get home instantly and act." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "That also I could fathom." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed both be extremely obliged.' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, shoulder; "he's all right." "I say it is." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, mystery!" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that there was nothing in it, after all." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, later, upon the night of May 2nd." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "BALLARAT." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did highly," said Holmes. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace not within a twentieth part of the market price." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the devil!" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with delighted to hear it," he said. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And help." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the very letters. But what is this written above them?' your Highness to the police-station?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Pray do so." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Just look it up, then." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a photograph?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." telegram would bring me down to your help." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." green of the new foliage. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "No." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "What steps will you take?" I asked. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. despair." "Indeed! Whose, then?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Then, how do you know?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little just called myself is not exactly my own." to surprise her." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I will not look." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "What is it, then--a fire?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'I am sure that I do not know.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Bought." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "It is no ordinary one." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, occurred." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two a suggestive one." "But you can know nothing of this?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got in this way: be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "The knees of his trousers." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark carpenter." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were you." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I was concerned in it." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of them has the shutters up.' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think this poor creature." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sound at heart." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wall." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "You saw the ventilator, too?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "And now?" I asked. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the lost nothing by them." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that less than 26s. 4d. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with what these perils are?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I cannot as yet see any connection." business came to an end." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "No good news?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Literary Archive Foundation outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one you?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot I approached. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the spark where all is dark to me." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee we went to search for him, face downward in a little family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he looking up at the numbers of the houses." questioning and rather startled gaze. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House relief. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who shadow pass over his face as I spoke. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of companion. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of which was all perfectly true. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and all of them with the keenest interest. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may be sorry for having acted so harshly." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we ashen face. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is whatever might befall. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, was a loud and authoritative tap. "It certainly sounds feasible." you?' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper hurried away. room?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have