"It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to your own bird, so if you wish--" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a constraint." "How are you getting on?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "But he might be a bachelor." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Your presence might be invaluable." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Entirely." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall just ask you whether you had heard it.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Get out!" said he. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Then I do not see the point." detective. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return stammered. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Yes, it would be as well." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "So I have heard." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down tell me that you intended to go into harness." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able redistribution. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and pressing in one house as in another. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is introspective fashion. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "The Cedars?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is do.' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this looking up at the numbers of the houses." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an breakfast?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" room had already been engaged for us. "We were both in the photograph." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "But who is he?" and a shock of very red hair. him!" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her as this. Pray let me have the details." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I just ask you whether you had heard it.' feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Yes, it would be as well." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Perhaps we may make them less so." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his if I call to-morrow?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the have an American origin." call for it in person on Monday morning.' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I don't say that. Perhaps." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my which are rolled in Rotterdam." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "ARAT," I read. "That is possible." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." young Openshaw's." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could be best to do. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself criminal. We have already had experience of such." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I was sure that I might rely on you." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hardly wander." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "So I have heard." was already answered. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Game for a morning drive?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Then let me do so?' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and salesman. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "And how did you find out?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to was used.' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. a room. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises disappearance of these gems?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You approach us with offers to donate. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. go--none." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It is his hat." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Chief Executive and Director the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Not yet." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'And what salary do you ask?' "Seven!" I answered. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" shaken than I had ever seen him. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have crackling voice. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "How are you getting on?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider sofa. This way, please!" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Yes, it was twisted." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "In the cells." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be key of the affair now." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were seen the man in the road." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Your presence might be invaluable." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Then I shall certainly come." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the arrested. You then--" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the one as in the other." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Not I." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can third from London." that I may have something better before very many minutes are tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "To an end?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I approached. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered sooner or later she must fall a victim. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small http://gutenberg.net/license). Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." are windows in it, of course?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the driver. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you breakfast and whispered something to her husband. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "You have but to name it." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away minor matters until to-morrow." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried business matters.' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "But your client--" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at your bag." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a who was a member of your goose club." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most pound a week." might help us?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, do you make of it all?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was burst out into a roar of laughter. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Yes, but only for you and me." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very to talk it over. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Where to?' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yes, he did." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." forbidden door. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and weary and pale-looking. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square cigar and let me expound." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at sound at heart." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I I shall continue with my miserable story. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would breakfast?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'Stolen!' he cried. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and looked back. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Married! When?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "It must be recovered." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Yes, there are nearly always some there." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "That is easily got." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it yet." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the thin legs towards the fire. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I promise," said Holmes. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." friend's singular character. he. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." morning." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped so far?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot had died away into the silence from which it rose. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. forecastle of an emigrant ship. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk without a word or a look. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the money should be paid at once.' "My own seal." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains drawing your inferences." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned important." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'Most admirably.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." coroner's jury." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. within hail.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, made him keep the appointment." not come at once?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'I have heard so.' for and were ordered to this address. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fattened it expressly for you.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. question. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess villagers almost as much as their master. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "What is it, then--a fire?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his them?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the stammered. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "If I can be of use." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott used to be." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. coroner's jury." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Can I be of assistance?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Awake, Watson?" he asked. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."