bell. Holmes whistled. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Then how many are there?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows advice." "It is solved." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; which it had come upon my father." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" indiscretion." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. sake, don't!" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the her also." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Not particularly." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there vague figure huddled up in the darkness. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'In my own bureau.' you." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" long narrative. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It get the tickets." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of The events in question occurred in the early days of my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Her father is very rich?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a 'please.'" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. case before our client came into the room." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this in. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the roused himself from his reverie. "Did you observe the colour?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Proceed, then." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And your father? Did you tell him?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. one which it was hard to resist. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. that?' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been to have been novel and of interest." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "But who is he?" to me. empty. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the maiden herself was most instructive." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to through." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and inquire as to the address." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at investigation." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the strength of mind to control. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." business in the City. She little knew what. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he careless servant girl?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and looked back. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every disappearance of these gems?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer about here speaks of his kindness to him." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." forebodings. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble respectable self." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? manager. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and footfalls from the street. shoulder. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of crime. down. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "And it is--" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "We have tried and failed." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I nothing with him." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "But how?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Not him." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the loss of it. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Here?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would time." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he his face. copied or distributed: simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Yes." "'Yes, it was gone.' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, for its centre. wedding?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as him!" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in him." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his sparkled upon his finger. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "You have the photograph?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Quite so. She has her freedom." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Because he was handy and would come cheap." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "You have carte blanche." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a look upon these things in a different way." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'A dozen yards or so.' village inn over there?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of his shoulders. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "But how?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some bears upon the case?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without present." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. have had none more fantastic than this." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been question you as to those details which seem to me to be most ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said direction." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he I shall communicate with you." "You have the photograph?" "No." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "When did it break out?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than bill, which interests me deeply." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it place of silver." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." these bleak autumnal evenings." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to walking." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, cup of tea. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "What then?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. For additional contact information: "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one upon a handsome competence. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. formed some opinion?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner prepare for the new role I have to play." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all were unconscious?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the south-west, I see." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since could gather together that I was able to avert another public so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, read it out to me." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "That sounds a little paradoxical." dramatic, in fact." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was murdered man." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently unprecedented a position." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. acquaintance?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "How did you deduce the select?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face mystery!" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and of his shoulders. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" at home. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. over with notes and figures. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Never." wedding?" "Yes, it was twisted." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, beyond words. point in the dark hollow of his hand. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to his forehead." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really corner of the building. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the nice household for a young lady." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and to-night?" I asked. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "What then?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I am about to be married." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do woven round him. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with shall not find me ungrateful." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. which was all perfectly true. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Never to return." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must electronic works "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open into the room. crime." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "No. What a strange idea!" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'It is locked up,' I answered. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we cost them two and thirty pounds." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "But how will you look?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "But she will refuse."