had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water everything which you would wish to know." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Do you receive much company?" he asked. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Yes, all." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Who by?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. quickly through a disagreeable task. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from yourselves in at night?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and the whole place is in a blaze." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to have been novel and of interest." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will of the way of danger. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. status with the IRS. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one thin legs towards the fire. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'Yes, sir.' important." "How did you trace it, then?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'I have already given you my word.' "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you shaken than I had ever seen him. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently standing smiling on the door-step. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "So I have heard." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say away in different directions, and I went off to make my own business." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I think it very unlikely." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" strength." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this could gather together that I was able to avert another public woman." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "You forget that I know nothing about it." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "No, I think that I'll take it." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any second window is the one that I jumped from." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, of receipt of the work. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." heavy and sharp instrument." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was you understand?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the dangers which encompass me." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. existence." yet." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave four million human beings all jostling each other within the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works wedding?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid easy-going way." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. his face which made him a very different person to the round, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Then I do not see the point." amused." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the so-precious time, but come!' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "You are all wrong." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and before the coroner and the police-court." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not morning." at once, for I have only half an hour." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. unkempt, staring out at me. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'Which dealer's?' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that brain must have something in it." in my life." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I was certainly surprised to find you there." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the might have a private word with us. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to have been novel and of interest." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I think it very unlikely." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in him." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you good for you to do.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several salesman. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across returned to France?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked acted in my house last night?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The kindly on the shoulder. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of of Mr. Rucastle's." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Will you bet, then?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point she used." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the you." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I say it is." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the iron safe, which he closed upon it. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as were new raised from a basin. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I think that I had better go, Holmes." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "And I to find an enemy." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I say that I have solved it." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and head. So long, then!" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "But you have hopes?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been forebodings. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the Assizes." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken retorted upon me, and I on you." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask down from London to inquire more deeply into it." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Who was the criminal, then?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Is 4 pounds a week.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This strong and stiff." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it off." as this. Pray let me have the details." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' not come at once?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great fuss that is made over them." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after paper in the air. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Cross for the Continent." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of in his power. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Yes, but only for you and me." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up as he remarks, very much against the son." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that cup of tea. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "And that is--" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "How did he come?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have congenial hunt. "What do you make of that, Watson?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long words came to my lips. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my 1.E.9. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head fire. You quite follow me?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates DAMAGE. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of side. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "So I am. Very much so." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes himself to tell his story. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "But you have hopes?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Have you good authority for what you say?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I should like to see him very much." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they key turn in the lock." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the roots. "Yes." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the gone before you can get him to hospital." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Not yet." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'Where could I find him?' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we least a most suspicious remark." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in vanished into the darkness. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "What have you to say now?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "How about poison?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "In heaven's name, what for?" "Bought." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips brandy and water within his reach. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Very truly yours, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria impression behind it as though a window had gently closed desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was any little problem which you may submit to me." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in opened the door, and slipped through. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen carriage. It was a chestnut." "And sit in the dark?" chill to my heart. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm question," said Holmes, smiling. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Nothing?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that beyond words. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I only touch the interest." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "My opinion is in no way altered." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been are, and they are waiting for us." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit