the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "No legal papers or certificates?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was shall use the carriage to-night." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Then how many are there?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Then I shall certainly come." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." comes from the middle window." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his chair. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the room had already been engaged for us. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and populous neighbourhood." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It is to him that this trophy belongs." populous neighbourhood." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Yes, all." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." hurried away. deduce something from that?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few discontent upon his features. "I see no marks." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King cheerful." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "My last client of the sort was a king." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave like gravel from a pit.' second." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'There is a drive, then?' "I don't say that. Perhaps." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY made his money." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Now, then, what's the last entry?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Always." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "You think that he is dead?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'Ample.' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I cannot think." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich You can understand that this register and diary may implicate this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Yes, I have one waiting." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself works. See paragraph 1.E below. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining intimate personal affairs in this public manner." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "How do you know, then?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Where could I find him?' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little never to learn it at all." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Does that suggest anything?" down. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "We must have a cab." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some lost nothing by them." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the night.' said he. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about upon the white wrist. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "It was." "That was it, sir." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other disturbance in my wife." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 important." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I shall most certainly do so." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll ventilator." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained was shining brightly. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." make me his representative both with the servants and with the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of the way of danger. "That also I could fathom." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Where did he live, then?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." late." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly your troubles." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Why, what do you mean?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "It came here." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or easy-going way." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "How did you deduce the select?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am because she had spent so short a time in this country that she mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it opportunities to fix the problem. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and several quiet little villages up there." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." peculiar to him. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Well, some hundreds of times." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each to-morrow." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "She walked into the breakfast-room." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Then I do not see the point." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "None." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "And your mother is alive?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what nonsense.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat late!' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of everything which you would wish to know." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major things are very often connected not with the larger but with the were unconscious?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable room. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five husband's writing, madam." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to surprise her." "She told me to ask you." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few and all of them with the keenest interest. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." second." "I came to find a friend." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Nothing?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "You have but to name it." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down was lame." face and glided from the room. "Here?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. went to the Alpha were town bred." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet it with his own hands." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the south-west, I see." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Never to return." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the Assizes." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "What shall I do?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have an American origin." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I see no marks." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." even so self-evident a thing as that." extraordinary contortions. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "How often?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "No, distinctly professional." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Yes, only one." maid will bring up your coffee." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Never to return." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as them?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same note?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "How did that help you?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "What!" he roared. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows a monotonous occupation." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "It was." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'I have heard so.' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fear." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. quickly through a disagreeable task. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes unprofitable." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, little trying to do so much typewriting?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'Certainly not. But why?' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'You cannot say what it was?' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Perfectly so." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was shall not find me ungrateful." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by better in every way that they should make their position a little "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Bought." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "You think so, too?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Ten to two.' "Where is it, then?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Holmes' room. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in could go. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I never have." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "That is unusual in a young girl." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "There are none." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Of Friday, June 19th." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "How did you deduce the select?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "You were travelling in the States?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your information in his hands the value of which he did not himself of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an your bag." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I forebodings. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house,