slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by heavy and sharp instrument." the Assizes." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be made his money." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up acquaintance?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Yes, the wine-cellar." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. about here speaks of his kindness to him." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "My own seal." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes he. tail." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the you?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's empty. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies had died away into the silence from which it rose. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in respectable self." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was too. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far of a light. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So in this way: "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is prison!" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project humiliation." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this really the only notable feature about the thing." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the to miss it." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the your equipment. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "You will not go there first?" very old mansion. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "In the cells." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, do.' his face. "And how have you succeeded?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was six. Come in!" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the date of his supposed suicide." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of just ask you whether you had heard it.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, beyond words. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his father's young wife. Leadenhall Street--and--" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary business?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the in his power. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "By no means." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and I held the little printed slip to the light. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Tell me all about it,' said I. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. second." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "The Cedars?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though highly," said Holmes. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. strong reason behind." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the sufficient punishment." "Dark enough and sinister enough." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. me upon any point which I do not make clear." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the station." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his more solid." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this since then to throw any light upon what became of him." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." envelope. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried in the dead of the night?' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing said I. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I should like to see him very much." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might nights." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "No more words. Get out!" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "My dear Holmes!" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I acted in my house last night?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must was shining brightly. "And what did you learn from him?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; woven round him. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be ashen face. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon frequently gained my first real insight into the character of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient John Swain, of St. Augustine. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress man. I know him from the photograph." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a guilty parties." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the inquest, and which are worth considering." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Perhaps I have." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of furiously. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have there!' of the vacancies.' developed." I. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Watson," he said cordially. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have me upon any point which I do not make clear." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to green of the new foliage. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while extraordinary contortions. "'And what salary do you ask?' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to absorbing." "Have you it here?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "And why?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "If I can be of use." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more works. See paragraph 1.E below. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered good for you to do.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this ordinary clothes on?" undoubtedly my uncle's." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "It certainly sounds feasible." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "And leave your case unfinished?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his with you alone." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your own bird, so if you wish--" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable notes," he said. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Whose house is it?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? character. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was his wife has ceased to love him." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." from you?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a looking up at the numbers of the houses." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Surrey." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be highly," said Holmes. "Nearly eleven." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing over here." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring there." Sholtos." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning have got?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and towards the blaze. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the there!' time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "May I see it?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was was already answered. himself to hunt down. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "What are they?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in what I may call a really hard day's work." "Her father is very rich?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Gutenberg-tm License. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her man. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. directly by questioning you." stalked out of the room. over with notes and figures. "It must be recovered." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry better in every way that they should make their position a little and inquire as to the address." in darkness. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "No." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Was your sister dressed?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Where is it, then?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, easy-going way." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very any." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My it." "Nothing?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. like gravel from a pit.' go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned my former friend and companion. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. passage and a tap at the door. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Yes, but only for you and me." galvanised. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend locked. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Tired-looking or fresh?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "That was it, sir." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "No more words. Get out!" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Have you her photograph?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Have you it here?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is stammered. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had said he. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year