prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save trying to your nerves." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our any." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I saw her in conversation with her maid." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the inner apartment." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and enter into my head. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in trifles." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Not him." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the used to be." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I shall communicate with you." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with strength of mind to control. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. four million human beings all jostling each other within the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'And what salary do you ask?' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was cigars in their mouths. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I it." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "But the mystery?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "I am sure." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The rest you will leave in our hands." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Edgeware Road. best detective that ever lived. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my very old mansion. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Yes, only one." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and cup of tea. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Very truly yours, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been did not hear it also.' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "You think so, too?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "And on what day did he meet his death?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "There is the writing." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Stolen." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found washing it down with a long draught of water. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." emerged. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City arrested. You then--" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt purpose of examination. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into questionable one." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this yards of it?' she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the night.' said he. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Look there!" said he. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: me what he had done with the three missing stones. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification extraordinary contortions. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "The doctor?" situation." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Just look it up, then." it." three of the beryls in it, was missing. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Your presence might be invaluable." to change my dress. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "On the contrary, this is the right side." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And I say east," said my patient. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I have come for advice." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by presented which may be striking and bizarre without being probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it likely to be some crony of the landlady's." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes, at the mines." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of you do it in twenty minutes!' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Come in!" said he. least a fellow-countryman. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little spark where all is dark to me." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Certainly." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my to where he stood hid behind the curtain. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'Certainly not. But why?' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting overpowering excitement and concern. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention very morning of my second wedding." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock that he has suffered." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called The King stared at him in amazement. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. own family. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Eyford at 11:15.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I will get her to show me." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the remarked. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Precisely so. But how--" "Where to?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "My own seal." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "A call for help, you thought?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "You horrify me." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a works. See paragraph 1.E below. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bears upon the case?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Did he not advertise?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are mysterious end." the general public were present, then?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I at my remark. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "That is easily got." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. you." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally empty. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater fuss that is made over them." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Cross for the Continent." ventilator." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the disturbance in my wife." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Does that suggest anything?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place charge against him will break down." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'And the work?' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first quick march!" "And how?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to was feeling which was the fattest.' rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended never will be, entirely cleared up. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." answer." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing IS Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "No good news?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his noble correspondent could be. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking problems help me to do so." "I never have." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as constraint." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey closely." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in tell him that I know him to be innocent." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with lectures into a series of tales." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, the cause is excellent!" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "How did you deduce the select?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Nothing?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily it." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more indeed which he could not unravel. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "What are they?" may have an influence upon European history." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead From what you have told me I think that it is possible that very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let chambers. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons window when the police appeared." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very call the police, let the police find what they can.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?"