until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Young McCarthy must be got off, however." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to tell." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening fear." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with started for the Temple to see my husband. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "So I am. Very much so." the nursery. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." have an American origin." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a I have it here in my museum." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included have got?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Pray let us have it, for all that." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may sufficient punishment." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. bird of prey. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only lamp. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from since then to throw any light upon what became of him." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ourselves in the office." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it his forehead." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent absolutely follow my advice in every respect." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature works. See paragraph 1.E below. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry seen the man in the road." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" was shining brightly. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any to-night?' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "We were both in the photograph." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her so.' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Mrs. Toller serenely. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has events than those which have happened in my own family." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg such person." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I particular state visit http://pglaf.org more terrible than the truth. sound at heart." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many cigars in the box." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider towards the blaze. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Well?" my little problems." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper out." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a second." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" were wasted." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up she to prove their authenticity?" legal crime." the ceiling. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "A greater distance to travel." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the experiences." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the night.' charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'Why that?' I asks. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was a perfect sample of the class. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving of campaign. "I see no marks." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. your equipment. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in six. Come in!" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently you give your casting vote to?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "How do you know, then?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. think that he is innocent?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin may have an influence upon European history." "Where to?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I came to find a friend." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the roots. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the so-precious time, but come!' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "In answer to an advertisement." house for five minutes.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Do you know him?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Yes." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You horrify me!" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and them?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I was shining brightly. asked. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Only as much as we can deduce." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "It missed him, then?" "No, but the enclosure is." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at his eyes and forehead. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking fear." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. said I. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves gigantic client. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with constraint." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think promised to bring home. all?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "But how will you look?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Where, then?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch against a man in the prime of life?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the it means?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master triumphant cloud from his cigarette. village inn over there?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a might have a private word with us. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior gentleman's clothes. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that enter Dr. Roylott's room." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm strength." room had already been engaged for us. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, could gather together that I was able to avert another public dear old homesteads?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Then you may entirely rely on me." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the presented more singular features than that which was associated open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the very morning of the wedding." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery It may be so in this case, also." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "If I can be of use." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached have one." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, meant." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, returned to France?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon have been better. It is all right." dead, shall be safe with us." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble absorbing." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have you." cause to be." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Perhaps I have." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I make me his representative both with the servants and with the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. but preventing her from injuring another. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your drawing your inferences." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the will he say when he returns?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'What then?' I asked. hereditary King of Bohemia." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Was your sister dressed?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a thin legs towards the fire. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a room. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at me." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in look dissatisfied." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very said I. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Absolutely none." "What! Had he lost his wife?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a directors, with the result that you have seen." "I know where it is." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Frequently." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Why? What do you mean?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I came to find a friend." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "But what is it you wish?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great second." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they strong reason behind." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever sooner or later she must fall a victim. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and wait." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Not social, then?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from drove away. "Absolutely none." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "If so, much may have happened between." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I ourselves in the office." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "When did it break out?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the a very grave face. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Where, then, is my wife?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "How did you trace it, then?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Was she in good spirits?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains anything to do with the matter?" "I cannot think." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where there has been an enclosure here!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." companion. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'And what are they worth?' I asked. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on new acquaintance to Baker Street. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Literary Archive Foundation "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." be.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another