were wasted." "And who is her maid?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Yesterday." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to already been minutely examined." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Chief Executive and Director against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of washing it down with a long draught of water. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian affection." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend know all about it," he snarled. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Then I do not see the point." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest minor matters until to-morrow." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Certainly." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly heavy and sharp instrument." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "And the cigar-holder?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I see many objections to any such theory." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was not, dad?" she asked. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Stolen!' he cried. papers." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I make me his representative both with the servants and with the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just conceal it?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "No." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Sholtos." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in think that any burglar could have done. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Certainly,' I answered. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to a light-house. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Certainly not. But why?' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at will not take me long to tell. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." I have it here in my museum." three of the beryls in it, was missing. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. any." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, been deceived." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, at my own good fortune. "Was he the only applicant?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! there were one or two details which were new to me. But the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the salesman. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he about. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached crackling voice. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Then he might have called to you?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Certainly." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your power." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We my little problems." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it goes." Doctor, of the paper and the date." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, at home. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you affair. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which arrangements." him to go away.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of it." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at were wasted." "I cannot as yet see any connection." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has examine." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "He might." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "But how will you look?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I am all attention, madam." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "How often?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Was the window open?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great there were so many in the whole country as were brought together afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hurried by. gives a meaning to it." felt the room to be a little close.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "You have but to name it." "'I am sure if I had known--' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most wanted for ourselves." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I questionable one." the inquest, and which are worth considering." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this said Mr. Holder. "His face fell immediately. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I am to be neutral?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the It may be so in this case, also." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Yes, sir." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant 1.F. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I am about to be married." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no ways of our fellow-men." "Not yet." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Dirty?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I fear not." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was a lad." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Holmes, the busybody!" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Where, indeed?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Just look it up, then." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking chamber." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could o'clock is it?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out salesman. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "One of his hands." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is deduce something from that?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I am about to be married." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the room while you explain this matter?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "None." bill, which interests me deeply." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Perhaps I have." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I see many objections to any such theory." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice he bowed and left the room without another word. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Perfectly so." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large results." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took retorted upon me, and I on you." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower directors, with the result that you have seen." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we very morning of my second wedding." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the touch that coronet?' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came at once, for I have only half an hour." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, indiscretion." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I warn you that they are very incomplete." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. note?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "None." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the once more to my work. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering writing, and yet I know it well." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'Where to?' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the window, rose as we entered. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "That's no good." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to a suggestive one." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a to miss it." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Not social, then?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have stammered. house for five minutes.' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. key turn in the lock." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Sutherland?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at John Swain, of St. Augustine. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his against a man in the prime of life?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. me." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "How on earth--" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And what then?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever hands. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Very well, sir. And this stone?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every way in." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "How can you tell that?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening entirely devoid of interest." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. in his power. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "No legal papers or certificates?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable get the tickets." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the despair." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and like gravel from a pit.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it would apply.' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, strength." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "And for present expenses?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to arrive at through this?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Here?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Nothing." "How do you know, then?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance,"