correct than the official force." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. companion. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may You want to know what became of those geese?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to o'clock is it?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker attention." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Then you may be so with me." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, fuss that is made over them." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to electronic works "I cannot imagine." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. sound at heart." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the then?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "What, then, did Peterson do?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. only touch the interest." "Just look it up, then." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Then the page we have seen--" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Perhaps we may make them less so." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I am about to be married." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "The vanishing of the lady." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." During two years I have had three consultations and one small bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with paper in the air. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "You have compromised yourself seriously." death." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to his chemical studies. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a it were putty." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Yes, he did." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the chance at all." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, indiscretion." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the could go. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with For additional contact information: body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven orange pips. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it his cane at the bell-pull. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an him to be an active member of the medical profession." returning from some small jollification and was making his way truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." there is a decided draught." October 9, 1890. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "So I have heard." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little it." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it chill to my heart. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "No, my brougham is waiting." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money time." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'Yes, I promise.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Miss Holder?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations telegram would bring me down to your help." "And the murderer?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the bled considerably." papers." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Stoke Moran." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and put his glass in his pocket. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall appeal." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society stalked out of the room. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you you understand?" "How on earth--" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I cannot tell." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the I am not easy in my mind about them." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Very much so." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Literary Archive Foundation paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money over here." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the Assizes." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried developed." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and sufficient punishment." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly morning." "I fear not." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "This concluded the examination of the witness." our word." people don't know." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the coroner come to?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been bill, which interests me deeply." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of said he at last. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "In what way?" asked Holmes. had formerly been in part my own. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the fuss that is made over them." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "What I expected to see." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "No. What a strange idea!" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still could not account in any way for the presence of the missing summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or lost nothing by them." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect it with his own hands." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'I have heard so.' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And how did you verify them?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had charge against him will break down." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the figure." to have that photograph." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Stolen." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "And I to find an enemy." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, works. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. to-night's adventure." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "It must be recovered." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "And on what day did he meet his death?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Yes, sir.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a upon the white wrist. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Munro.' avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a should be so warm over such a trifle." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. occupations.' at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face of his shoulders. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with were unconscious?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "At what time?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, strode off upon his way. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET along the entire front of the house, with three long windows it." strength." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Mrs. Toller serenely. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a ready to-morrow?' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Well, some hundreds of times." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was himself to tell his story. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" I shall communicate with you." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some voice, changing her seat as requested. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward have an American origin." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips had no one to advise her at such a crisis." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Then, how do you know?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on in this note: accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must confronted him. dead, shall be safe with us." enter Dr. Roylott's room." the so-precious time, but come!' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the little trying to do so much typewriting?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps arrested. You then--" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. call it cruel." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. meanly of me." http://gutenberg.net/license). order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of Fenchurch Street." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Your French gold?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start have one." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Leave Paddington by the 11:15." in my life." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at call it cruel." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." been." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "To the police?" heavy and sharp instrument." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the to take care of herself." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of