"In what way?" asked Holmes. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and about. to Leatherhead. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the are windows in it, of course?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "What, then?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Do you receive much company?" he asked. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one bachelor.' "And how did you verify them?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Eyford at 11:15.' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes address. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses other lovers by making love himself." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me posted to-day." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open galvanised. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly events than those which have happened in my own family." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Foundation action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you room?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "It was." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should said he, "my real name is James Ryder." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I cannot think." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to train.' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one For additional contact information: "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you prove to be little relation between the different incidents of minor matters until to-morrow." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Oh, yes, easily." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for questionable one." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "He slept on the premises." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the window, rose as we entered. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with four million human beings all jostling each other within the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Where, indeed?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would despaired of." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements views." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at developed." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I events than those which have happened in my own family." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined union?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small money should be paid at once.' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and capable of preserving a secret.' "You have the photograph?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key few hundred pounds.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Does that suggest anything?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible what these perils are?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We disappearance of the bride.'" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." indeed which he could not unravel. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have this man was intellectual?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'What would be the hours?' I asked. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'I have already given you my word.' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. amused." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a whole matter to your consideration." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley suggested at once that there must be a communication between the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and had a long day." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the room while you explain this matter?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "And now?" He raised his hand. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it handed it to him. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project status with the IRS. gone. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I have one." to change my dress. "This concluded the examination of the witness." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned purpose of examination. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "That also I could fathom." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Most admirably.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. I nodded to show that I had heard. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it that he will be back before evening." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "And the murderer?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the might help us?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Pray do so." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I shall most certainly do so." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Miss Holder?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some in one or two places in England?' chamber." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Heh?' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that will take you up to see the machine.' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Will you go?" "And why?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I will not look." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue you found me to-night--and running through the front room she purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round I. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "You horrify me." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Well, it is a possible supposition." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in what do you think they found in the pockets?" round with crates and massive boxes. been." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the eat it." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Holmes rather sternly. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hard-headed British jury." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by weapon." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the on in his house." galvanised. "Yes, it was twisted." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very ashen face. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle said Mr. Holder. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell outside. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his arrangements." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "There is the writing." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the Friday. Was it to be in church?" happened." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of daring than any effort of the imagination." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down His name is Francis Prosper." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange triumphant cloud from his cigarette. lamp in his hand. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open be sorry for having acted so harshly." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin think, you have already met." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. matter over." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Where is it, then?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the Assizes." "How on earth--" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across note?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was to his chemical studies. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Yes." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know been with you?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "But it has twice been burgled." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Awake, Watson?" he asked. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Certainly." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is strong and stiff." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "By all means." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that will not take me long to tell. noble correspondent could be. "You have but to name it." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point was once confined in the cab my mission was practically that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. is," said he presently: fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Certainly." coat-tails." "No, thank goodness, she did not." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Then I do not see the point." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Were they all fastened this morning?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond redistribution. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the not within a twentieth part of the market price." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Not yet."