felt?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Ample.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power 1.E.9. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. instituted." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "I would pay ten." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been results." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "That also I could fathom." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in meanly of me." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the him. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I shall be delighted." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "What! Had he lost his wife?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Dirty?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned congenial hunt. carried out of court." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at DISSOLVED. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Well, it is a possible supposition." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a as he folded up the epistle. plantation.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my a little more before I quite committed myself. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "9th. McCauley cleared. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the nursery. "Her father is very rich?" morning." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I will try. What is it?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I am about to be married." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I have seen the police." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I nodded again. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "What are they?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "My dear Holmes!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "He disappeared so suddenly." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Texas, I think." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "No. What a strange idea!" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite golden eyeglasses. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Where did he live, then?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as someone who had been in Australia." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had will take you up to see the machine.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, returning from some small jollification and was making his way call you and give you the chance." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "What then?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for cigars in their mouths. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Here?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "How about poison?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It horse could go." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Count Von Kramm." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Not in the least." views." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his father's young wife. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from money should be paid at once.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Where, then?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Your sister is dead, then?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "And I." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted occurred." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" again." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Cross for the Continent." "You have carte blanche." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "The best possible." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." that threaten you." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very amused." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, gone before you can get him to hospital." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Never,' said I. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "What?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "How can you tell that?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his certainly do as you advise." "Could he throw no light?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum client, rising. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and affair. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman appeared upon the scene." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Seven!" I answered. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "What will you do, then?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't triumphant cloud from his cigarette. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the roots. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too just ask you whether you had heard it.' have had none more fantastic than this." see a sister of mine apply for." "Married! When?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off residence of the great financier. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any have had none more fantastic than this." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday guilty parties." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "My photograph." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "That is it on the dressing-table." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite national property. I was determined that the law should have its it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "I am sure." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "There is the writing." just called myself is not exactly my own." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular beg that you will break it off." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer security.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. his eyes and forehead. be sorry for having acted so harshly." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Texas, I think." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You have compromised yourself seriously." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies one or two very singular points about this room. For example, later, upon the night of May 2nd." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the a monotonous occupation." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent papers on the sundial.'" at a side door. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of to take care of herself." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and said I. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door written, and locked the door of the office after me. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to in the dead of the night?' "I cannot as yet see any connection." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I cannot as yet see any connection." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "What is it, then--a fire?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and least a most suspicious remark." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "And how did you verify them?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the head. So long, then!" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Sutherland?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "It is solved." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has mysterious business." "'Stolen!' he cried. Foundation "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he he died? "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the do.' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I think it very unlikely." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Get out!" said he. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "My own seal." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Pool. "On the contrary, this is the right side." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was you in yours." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing swore that no one else had been in the front room during the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Proceed, then." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. coroner's jury." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'Stolen!' he cried. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Were they all fastened this morning?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently will he say when he returns?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." your co-operation." his huge brown hands. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "The doctor?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his