making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "What is it, then--a fire?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But what harm can there be in that?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place definite end. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "We must have a cab." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the read it out to me." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive rooms." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young villagers almost as much as their master. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square locked." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without is worth.' you?' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it one or two very singular points about this room. For example, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who read over the extraordinary announcement. other lovers by making love himself." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "What!" he roared. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given peculiar to him. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see a good hundred miles off by now." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide a room. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a been shamefully used." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," you." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "My dear Holmes!" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." three of the beryls in it, was missing. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "You'll never persuade me to believe that." shall use the carriage to-night." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "No, distinctly professional." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "But he might be a bachelor." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Where did you address your letters, then?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to talk it over. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas held up the lantern and gazed about him. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? records." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear pound a week." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Well?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Not yet." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Holmes, the busybody!" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a went to the Alpha were town bred." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong brought there to personate someone, and the real person is room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I papers on the sundial.'" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle which we had just quitted. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the inquest, and which are worth considering." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to astonishment. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My meant." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, made him keep the appointment." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and glanced through. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of empty. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "What have you done?" asked Holmes. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical said I. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we events than those which have happened in my own family." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "One?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of his shoulders. "But your client--" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying done what I asked you, Jones?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I never have." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met coat-tails." drove away. during which he might have communicated with his friend the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I cannot tell." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "What?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To upon an income of about 60 pounds." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases very peculiar words of the dying woman?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at take the flies, but not before." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. you, my dear young lady?' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the inquest, and which are worth considering." will not take me long to tell. into the bag, and made for the door. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full appointment with me for six o'clock?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew call the police, let the police find what they can.' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, it were putty." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how outbreak?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted God! What an exposure! What can I do?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. to his chemical studies. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few ceremony." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "That is easily got." strength in the others." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, matter." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Quite so." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And Miss Sutherland?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "What do you make of that, Watson?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know off." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "It is his hat." third from London." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention in his hands." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman unkempt, staring out at me. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he problems help me to do so." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had rooms." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a you in your example." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this 'please.'" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very of receipt of the work. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Well, but China?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the driver. the window, rose as we entered. "It must be recovered." feature." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great electronic works I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Stolen." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "There are none." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, think that he is innocent?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some again, where I was soon asleep. in a friendly supper." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after as he remarks, very much against the son." ran thus: his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Yes?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And how have you succeeded?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I have hopes." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Have you it here?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I never have." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "No, I had a dozen." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had furiously. think that he is innocent?" sound at heart." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a this as likely?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of the one which your family is now devouring." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'In my own bureau.' groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some she used." "'You cannot say what it was?' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open it. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Arthur Conan Doyle "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my plantation.' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Did your wife hear all this?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "You horrify me." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether business." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question."