the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by helping a boy to put up the shutters. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were pierced for earrings?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. noble correspondent could be. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the My friend smiled. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "By train from Waterloo." "What office?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a all-comprehensive glances. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and wait." might help us?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save foot. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'And what salary do you ask?' the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain said Mr. Holder. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. might help us?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in way in everything. to-night?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, said I. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Mary, has deserted me." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she little adventures." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed have accepted such a situation. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last down from London to inquire more deeply into it." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Edgeware Road. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I do." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, through." "What do you mean?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. train.' "I answered that I had not. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by once more. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent standing smiling on the door-step. Holmes rather sternly. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "That also I could fathom." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I answered that I had not. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "No, I had a dozen." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Do you know him?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master yourselves in at night?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit tassel actually lying upon the pillow. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you trifles." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Countess of Morcar's?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Upon what point?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not opened a pocket-book and took out a note. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from matters immensely." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a husband's writing, madam." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage chance at all." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a you came in." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange whole matter to your consideration." tell him that I know him to be innocent." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. following enigmatical notices: "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Now, then, what's the last entry?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Quite so." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method noting anything else of interest. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly attention." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Eyford." there." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Is he quiet?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of dear old homesteads?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "And I say east," said my patient. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one unkempt, staring out at me. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a ways of our fellow-men." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "He disappeared so suddenly." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously discontent upon his features. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he which was all perfectly true. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His burst out into a roar of laughter. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock were new raised from a basin. have an American origin." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "And how did you verify them?" "Breckinridge is his name." deduce something from that?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window not fit the lock." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Yes. He waved his hands." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Here?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his throat." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "The knees of his trousers." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "We were both in the photograph." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to towards the blaze. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can them?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to photograph?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "From his hat?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the kindly on the shoulder. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day three of the beryls in it, was missing. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "But I have heard all that you have heard." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I cannot tell." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' quite distinctive." "But his left-handedness." "And Irene Adler?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached said he at last. for its centre. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, or other trace. But how on earth--" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive rooms." hurried away. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "None." purpose equally well?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "Entirely." "He is dead," cried several voices. were unconscious?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical conversation I have gathered that they have been married about self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under fluttered off among the others. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "The Coroner: What do you mean? to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Miss Holder?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray once more. my friend's incisive reasoning. was it brought him the coronet? Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of for the market.' individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the matter." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Holmes' face clouded over. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "His face fell immediately. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the you." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried you understand?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, take the flies, but not before." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I cannot imagine." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Yesterday." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, with the outside air!" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Witness: It was. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had had this final quarrel? "Her father is very rich?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." you." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I cannot tell." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and a shock of very red hair. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler point in the dark hollow of his hand. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote head. So long, then!" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how reach." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with During two years I have had three consultations and one small peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was back alive. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and the colonel ushered me in. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to friends, not even his own brother. "No. What a strange idea!" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I 1.F. at my own good fortune. here." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers http://gutenberg.net/license). weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray then?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to I leave." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that you can jump it.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to people don't know." new acquaintance to Baker Street. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man fear." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself point our research must commence, and we will begin it by began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Did you observe the colour?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" business came to an end." to change my dress. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I yet." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." some water from a caraffe. "The King of Scandinavia." place of silver." had picked up in the wood. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or