which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the date of his supposed suicide." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the stones. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building question. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "If I can be of use." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to-night?" I asked. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the nonsense.' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you chambers. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been you?' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "It may not come to that," said Holmes. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay burst out into a roar of laughter. "Upon what point?" what I may call a really hard day's work." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. as yours." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same I shall continue with my miserable story. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news already referred to. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Certainly." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I have hopes." "Then the page we have seen--" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of even of instruction." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with may never be exposed to such a temptation." an introduction to him?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a security.' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "My opinion is in no way altered." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Where is it, then?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "What of the rat, then?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to forbidden door. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, spare." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the stones. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." kind enough to tell me what I should do." My friend smiled. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and ways of our fellow-men." Lee, in the county of Kent." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I will get her to show me." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Deserted you?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Upon what point?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "That is not always so easy." character. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes. He waved his hands." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide said I. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either direction." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite my friend's incisive reasoning. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and away to you." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'Ten to two.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in States. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Miss Holder?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'Ten to two.' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys room. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may coroner's jury." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad are, and they are waiting for us." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by away in different directions, and I went off to make my own apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the again." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'No, I know no one in these parts.' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite his face. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Not social, then?" "You horrify me." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the salesman. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. your co-operation." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "In heaven's name, what for?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the armchair which I pushed forward for him. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "He slept on the premises." I have it here in my museum." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then bill, which interests me deeply." "What is it?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Then you may entirely rely on me." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, despair." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I am still in the dark." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly people in all walks of life. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp than was visible to me." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, it would be as well." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon room?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the congenial hunt. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I would pay ten." is worth.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an out." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I am still in the dark." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "What?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it imbecility!" he cried. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge II. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I voice, changing her seat as requested. other means.' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Precisely so. But how--" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a highroad, where all traces were lost. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Oh, fresh and glossy." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "That's no good." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was think that any burglar could have done. if I call to-morrow?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and be best to do. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my matter over." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Where, then, is my wife?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, you do it in twenty minutes!' at my own good fortune. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the best of training." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" that you saw all that I did." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, following enigmatical notices: said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, just called myself is not exactly my own." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It *** START: FULL LICENSE *** We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned peculiar to him. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your electronic works the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an it." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "How often?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we very morning of my second wedding." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to to-morrow." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had way: "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by families. Now for the facts. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall of this gang." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any me have 200 pounds?' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And who is her maid?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is about here speaks of his kindness to him." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "My dear Holmes!" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "That is not always so easy." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide 1.E.9. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you cheerful." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Not yet." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. forebodings. hair?' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little come either from the window or the door. My attention was of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Won't it ring?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else prepare for the new role I have to play." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were has little to do with my story." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar my special province." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Eyford at 11:15.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "To an end?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'You doubt its value?' he asked. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Very much so." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the child." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of astonishment. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup writer." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds colour had been driven from his face. Gutenberg-tm License. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and the whole place is in a blaze." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he there is a decided draught." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the DAMAGE. without a word or a look. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since