his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost lamp. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. back alive. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Of what day?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Has he come with you to-night?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and sneer upon his pale face. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to-morrow." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire your equipment. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who guilty parties." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he asked. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is four million human beings all jostling each other within the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "The landlord of the Alpha." tapping his fingers upon the table. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "The decline of his fortunes, then?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold second window is the one that I jumped from." "Come in!" said Holmes. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of Fenchurch Street." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Bought." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I never have." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project ceremony." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got bird I ate is country bred." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for papers must be those that are destroyed.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That green of the new foliage. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Did your wife hear all this?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled cigars in the box." started for the Temple to see my husband. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "So it appears." weary and pale-looking. and inquire as to the address." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who what these perils are?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for strode off upon his way. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. over here." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham breakfast?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to himself in a perplexing position. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are occurred." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical obstinate." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I don't believe it." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern sound at heart." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." lost his Christmas dinner." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Only as much as we can deduce." meanly of me." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I cannot imagine." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I approach us with offers to donate. sufficient punishment." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Imitated." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "None. Neville wrote those words." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up acted in my house last night?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to miss it." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about interested in these little problems, and since you are good struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "From his hat?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, shall use the carriage to-night." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Come in!" said he. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of only touch the interest." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very could go. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Why did you pick him?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, spare." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. soul! here is her carriage at the door." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Serpentine Avenue. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "So I have heard." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but row." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I shall most certainly do so." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'Yes, I promise.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should if I call to-morrow?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with strength." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I III. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to His name is Francis Prosper." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Was the window open?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in during that time.' of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "And you don't know his address?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his you, my dear young lady?' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Eyford at 11:15.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while foresight and the moral retrogression?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face shoulder; "he's all right." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient said he. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, closing the door. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head asked. "Always." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'Then let me do so?' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth triumphant cloud from his cigarette. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap 1.E.9. "You were travelling in the States?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "But she could not love him." one's self under obligations.' given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you I leave." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes help us in this matter." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. McCarthy's innocence. it means?" "And is that all?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." waste of energy." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police crackling voice. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport of note-paper. It read in this fashion: at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. way in everything. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Very murderous indeed." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "So I am. Very much so." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these not fit the lock." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a spark where all is dark to me." little adventures." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "What?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Ah, but I was recommended to you." some city in a dream. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon chance at all." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "One of the highest in England." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "And the cigar-holder?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six matters immensely." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And why in hopes?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "On your arm?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really as he folded up the epistle. bonnet, and went out." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital observed. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Certainly." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the matter?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that I can to serve you." the general public were present, then?" people don't know." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Certainly." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away yards of it?' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always so.' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, ago." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Then I can wait in the next room." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Stolen, then." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady third from London." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a