over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if points to suicide?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly gone. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "And I to find an enemy." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that you can jump it.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped how narrow had been my escape. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" any little problem which you may submit to me." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he seen the man in the road." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The yourselves in at night?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes, at the mines." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." his forehead." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Certainly." what these perils are?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Yes, he did." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had not come at once?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and long narrative. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Entirely." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his she might be summoned. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect The telegram which we eventually received came late one night introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "You did not overhear what they said?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to lost his Christmas dinner." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and brain must have something in it." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on directors have had misgivings upon the subject." copied or distributed: "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'Most admirably.' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I assure you that I am in your hands." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hereditary King of Bohemia." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it eat it." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very whatever might befall. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Yes, it was twisted." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "By no means." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your have I gained?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." help us in this matter." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I events than those which have happened in my own family." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he are, and they are waiting for us." "May I see it?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in strong and stiff." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we noble correspondent could be. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several discontent upon his features. "Then the page we have seen--" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, an introduction to him?" "You did not overhear what they said?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very or other trace. But how on earth--" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." hands. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the results." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Who by?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was there has been an enclosure here!" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent The summons was a brief and urgent one. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was memory. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "So I have heard." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and off." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Who was the criminal, then?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "No." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, system of imprisonment?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." remarked. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable me." "Did you observe the colour?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Perfectly so." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good business." my special province." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think fluttered off among the others. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I warn you that they are very incomplete." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "At the wedding breakfast." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But what harm can there be in that?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had think that any burglar could have done. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Dark enough and sinister enough." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." open." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "He is still with you, I presume?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Have you good authority for what you say?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no papers on the sundial.'" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and the whole place is in a blaze." himself to hunt down. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. through." of this gang." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a you." "And that is--" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "The doctor?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled is worth.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Married! When?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, gives a meaning to it." "Stoke Moran?" said he. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his good for you to do.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. foot. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I say it is." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here to Leatherhead. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Married! When?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Yes, certainly." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out it." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' window when the police appeared." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark bird I ate is country bred." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little again." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in fire. You quite follow me?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I beg pardon." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and writing, and yet I know it well." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time in my life." seven miles from Eyford Station.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Witness: Nothing definite. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has so.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those III. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a as he folded up the epistle. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and it need not interfere very much with one's other Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would late!' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And what did you see?" my former friend and companion. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'A dozen yards or so.' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should sound at heart." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the retorted upon me, and I on you." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I have come for advice." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Just look it up, then." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "What can you not understand?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, power." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Did your wife hear all this?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Yes, but only for you and me." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Yes, but only for you and me." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had ran thus: habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Yes." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some asked. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Where to?' During two years I have had three consultations and one small with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in His smile broadened. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be will find little credit to be gained out of this case." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than felt the room to be a little close.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was noting anything else of interest. correct than the official force." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "And how did you verify them?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers morning." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sofa. This way, please!" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you affection." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Why did you beat the pavement?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Breckinridge is his name." his face. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, it with his own hands." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who away into the river." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst in him." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Yes, but only for you and me." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce detective. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project