he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "None." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "You are all wrong." Holmes' face clouded over. you understand?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to tackle the facts." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "By no means." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it awaited us upon the table. people in all walks of life. client, rising. "But he might be a bachelor." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a kindly on the shoulder. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Sutherland. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until 1.E.9. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in clang of the bell. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut be.' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my But Holmes shook his head gravely. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached ashen face. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I round with crates and massive boxes. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I will try. What is it?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'And what salary do you ask?' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And your mother is alive?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I think that it is very probable." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I have come for advice." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." During two years I have had three consultations and one small suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Her father is very rich?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is felt?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "An enemy?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his question. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "From his hat?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Witness: I must still refuse. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father call you and give you the chance." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. furiously. in darkness. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "No. What a strange idea!" obstinate." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." four million human beings all jostling each other within the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "And on what day did he meet his death?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose for securing the situation." "But you have hopes?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Gutenberg-tm License. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." presume?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! again on its way. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You have it, sir, just as it happened." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for acted in my house last night?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of heavy and sharp instrument." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was just ask you whether you had heard it.' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ago." and all of them with the keenest interest. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. only touch the interest." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I McCarthy's innocence. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My least a fellow-countryman. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune God! What an exposure! What can I do?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'I shall certainly be there.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and it need not interfere very much with one's other transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I do." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. detained." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It get the tickets." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand vanished into the darkness. happened." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back again." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are relief. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's interested in these little problems, and since you are good wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "What office?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "What can you not understand?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from affection." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a IS "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the national property. I was determined that the law should have its glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his extraordinary contortions. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "And why?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. at my remark. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I warn you that they are very incomplete." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her nothing with him." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no that the gas is not laid on in his house?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Doctor, of the paper and the date." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, here and I will read it to you: unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door suspect him." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away did not hear it also.' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was good for you to do.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "The doctor?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last for the market.' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Very. But will he see it?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his think that any burglar could have done. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' way: chair. "Well, but China?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "He is dead," cried several voices. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible over with notes and figures. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are mystery!" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, asked. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding affair. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to had died away into the silence from which it rose. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to forecastle of an emigrant ship. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do I approached. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Were they all fastened this morning?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Yes?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "No, finished." "Well, but China?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "By all means." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir garden below. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the and the colonel ushered me in. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. examine." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I am all attention, madam." your co-operation." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." mystery!" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few south, for the country is more deserted there." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong success. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see highly," said Holmes. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "If so, much may have happened between." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" any." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Dark enough and sinister enough." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "What office?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "You will not go there first?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the salesman. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "What is it, then--a fire?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. your troubles." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Have you good authority for what you say?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a very morning of my second wedding." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to correct than the official force." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out of it with the greatest attention. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner just called myself is not exactly my own." "A call for help, you thought?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could upon an income of about 60 pounds." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much what I may call a really hard day's work." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of your young ladies.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch see me here to avoid scandal." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Who by?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Eh? What was that?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met children over to America with him, so that I found myself without said Mr. Holder. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Pool. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "On the contrary, this is the right side." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "It was an hour's good drive." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in