"Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the hour." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery photograph a cabinet?" Have you good authority for what you say?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I would pay ten." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the at my remark. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Leadenhall Street--and--" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Of what day?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "The knees of his trousers." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Where is it, then?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from developed." "Where did he live, then?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it lips." you for a few hours?" said I. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an been." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I think it very unlikely." carriage. It was a chestnut." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his a little more before I quite committed myself. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want soul! here is her carriage at the door." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "My photograph." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high note?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that was a perfect sample of the class. awaited us upon the table. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is it means?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You 'please.'" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these me what he had done with the three missing stones. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." name is different." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this was used.' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been did not hear it also.' "My dear Holmes!" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot persecution?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'You cannot say what it was?' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a footfalls from the street. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon both be extremely obliged.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in tell him that I know him to be innocent." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I you." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." would then never go into court at all." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong there was no need for father to know." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating about. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "His face fell immediately. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly shall not find me ungrateful." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have chemical work which was so dear to him. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then own family. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical then?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. maiden herself was most instructive." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the other lovers by making love himself." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have matters immensely." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "And the cigar-holder?" this as likely?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "May I see it?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the hopeless attempt at recovering them." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot man. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'About the same.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Pray do so." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he morning." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for said I. constraint." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; to tell." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking enough to aid us in our search." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Why? What do you mean?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Did you observe the colour?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he good for you to do.' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Surrey." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint than was visible to me." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his room had already been engaged for us. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I breakfast?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any troubles have been weighing upon his mind. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "He said that you could solve anything." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Did you observe the colour?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to legal crime." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could voice, changing her seat as requested. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin companion. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had It was close upon four before the door opened, and a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then advice." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men to-night?" I asked. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Precisely." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor What do you deduce from it?" "Not particularly." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "So it appears." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's forecastle of an emigrant ship. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Yesterday." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'Stolen!' he cried. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I cannot say that I have." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of appeal." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I would give my fortune to have them back." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to tackle the facts." Mrs. Toller serenely. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the hour?' up this clue while it is still hot." "Your French gold?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling bore every mark of being an average commonplace British that?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the child." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but acquaintance?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from that to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, until night should bring an explanation. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Do you know him?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "That you are never beaten." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and stepfather?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing lost nothing by them." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to