the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose have established a very serious case against the son of the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no constraint." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that only touch the interest." "Is he quiet?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his wedding?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And who is her maid?" "No, I am descending." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and 'please.'" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the ceiling. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which be there in time for your coming." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was young Openshaw's." had this final quarrel? himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "It is possible." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. to tell." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped could go. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "What?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through these bleak autumnal evenings." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Imitated." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are fattened it expressly for you.' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'You cannot say what it was?' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it to affect your life." the matter?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so late!' "We must have a cab." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And did you observe any change in her then?" "One of his hands." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Absolutely none." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where one or two very singular points about this room. For example, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "If I can be of use." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. electronic works "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Imitated." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you woven round him. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could clanging. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "It may not come to that," said Holmes. read it out to me." lips." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very directors have had misgivings upon the subject." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now extraordinary contortions. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking again on its way. the one as in the other." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Yes, there are nearly always some there." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He leave you to your papers for a little." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from should be taken.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. works. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She over part of the map. "What do you read?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and security.' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes, it would be as well." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "How are you getting on?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two own family. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." But Holmes shook his head gravely. that he will be back before evening." "On Monday." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, records." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "To the police?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Yes. He waved his hands." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way copied or distributed: does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty that he has suffered." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a south, for the country is more deserted there." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, a little more before I quite committed myself. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "We must have a cab." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the coroner come to?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you you." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the on in his house." "We have tried and failed." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "VIOLET HUNTER." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hands. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "And from a noble client?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot south, for the country is more deserted there." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this away to you." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster up this clue while it is still hot." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive introspective fashion. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a his knees, staring into the fire. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been ill-usage at the hands of fortune. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "You are hungry," I remarked. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported affection." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Street. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of your Highness to the police-station?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite laugh and put his lips to my ear. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just politicians who had been sent down from the North. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Ten to two.' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "No more words. Get out!" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "When did she vanish, then?" do you make of it all?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring instituted." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in likely to be some crony of the landlady's." to you." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There their singular warning or token before them when starting upon that I may have something better before very many minutes are a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached in this note: interest. They are important, you understand, without being face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to arrested. You then--" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "The murder was done with it." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And did you observe any change in her then?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'Which dealer's?' "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, McCarthy's innocence. "If I can be of use." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "That sounds a little paradoxical." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'You cannot say what it was?' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Heh?' all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Here?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in that threaten you." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but kind enough to tell me what I should do." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." of this gang." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the past. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Did he not advertise?" very old mansion. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I do." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not photograph?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I have come for advice." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Yes?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed appeared upon the scene." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I cannot say that I have." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "How did that help you?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Project Gutenberg-tm works. fled together." the matter." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the room while you explain this matter?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey disappearance of these gems?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and I held the little printed slip to the light. stepfather?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Not I." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will whereabouts. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may miles off. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "And it is--" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if corner of the building. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." over here." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as been able to understand it, in a very few words. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the