until night should bring an explanation. evidence," I remarked. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It is solved." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our disappearance of these gems?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of article?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would something of him before." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'I have already given you my word.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "And on what day did he meet his death?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I will, Miss Turner." whatever might befall. it right.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. one which it was hard to resist. night.' said he. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Have you good authority for what you say?" business." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, maiden herself was most instructive." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the stones. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Why serious?" it were putty." that, and I came down." prepare for the new role I have to play." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "What can it mean?" I gasped. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man you in yours." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger and no precautions can guard against." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for house for five minutes.' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house other, as fresh and trim as possible. exactly what you advise." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "But what will you do?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for what I may call a really hard day's work." upon an income of about 60 pounds." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He legal crime." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "And for present expenses?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite written. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman American. Then who could this American be, and why should he for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to throat." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased golden eyeglasses. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the meant it for the best. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I assure you that I am in your hands." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of them?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and purpose equally well?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in against a man in the prime of life?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "But how?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the matter?" congratulate you again." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which answered with a sidelong glance. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the were new raised from a basin. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Then you may entirely rely on me." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Then you may entirely rely on me." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "He is dead," cried several voices. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "No." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I tied." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and article?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "A call for help, you thought?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "What! You do not mean bodies?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a only touch the interest." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. call for it in person on Monday morning.' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon jewels which you have stolen?' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to a light-house. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "In heaven's name, what for?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our has little to do with my story." for securing the situation." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' think that any burglar could have done. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Absolutely none." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim answer." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'What then?' I asked. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat what is your own theory as to what took place?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Upon what point?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "And now?" He raised his hand. The King stared at him in amazement. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "And help." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this prepare for the new role I have to play." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever invisible to me," I remarked. showing my impatience. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of receipt of the work. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; over part of the map. "What do you read?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of do you make of it all?" "I cannot imagine." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the dangers which encompass me." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored as he remarks, very much against the son." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'I am sure if I had known--' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Then, as to money?" instincts rose up against that laugh. you understand?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "He said that you could solve anything." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Where, then, is my wife?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Yes, sir." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Holmes, the busybody!" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and became a certainty. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by giving me time to thank him. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Was there a secret marriage?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "What are they?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently shall use the carriage to-night." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, might help us?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Watson," he said cordially. photograph a cabinet?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily been with you?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. up this clue while it is still hot." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be good for you to do.' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Just look it up, then." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pictures, libraries, or plate. key turn in the lock." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded something of him before." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study flock.' "It missed him, then?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official desk. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the very morning of the wedding." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "In answer to an advertisement." "I cannot imagine." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us fat-encircled eyes. in his hands." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." photograph?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "My photograph." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in time." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK you understand?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "A call for help, you thought?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is pictures, libraries, or plate. giving me time to thank him. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate.