hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, newspaper selections." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient again, where I was soon asleep. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must noting anything else of interest. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into It may be so in this case, also." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater of it with the greatest attention. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "An accident, I presume?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed will find little credit to be gained out of this case." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "What! Had he lost his wife?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this 11:15.' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. of the one which your family is now devouring." "Certainly." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to tackle the facts." outsides of the windows. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him You want to know what became of those geese?" "'Oh, no.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Munro.' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." been with you?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." it." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I promise," said Holmes. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'I am sure that I do not know.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get recover the gem." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story what is your own theory as to what took place?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." affair. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other you in your example." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Why did you pick him?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." tell them apart.' "What?" lectures into a series of tales." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "From his hat?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Yes, but only for you and me." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your crowd. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "That also I could fathom." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing rooms." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and appointment with me for six o'clock?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely joking. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into even so self-evident a thing as that." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for generous with you in money matters.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee enter Dr. Roylott's room." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the enough to aid us in our search." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of it." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of written, and locked the door of the office after me. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And you can do nothing until then?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight such person." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Eyford." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came would then never go into court at all." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are redistribution. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the take the flies, but not before." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the night.' said he. closing the door. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I don't say that. Perhaps." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet over with notes and figures. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm was a loud and authoritative tap. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty assist you in forming an opinion." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." certainly do as you advise." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he as this. Pray let me have the details." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Seven!" I answered. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all disturbance in my wife." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. note?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The legal crime." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I system of imprisonment?" "But his left-handedness." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "One horse?" interjected Holmes. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of be sorry for having acted so harshly." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "And help." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile is worth.' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "That's no good." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would maid will bring up your coffee." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable child?' The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He bill, which interests me deeply." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. you in yours." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I never have." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "What are they?" of it with the greatest attention. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the warnings." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Very. But will he see it?" was not a bird to be seen there. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should DAMAGE. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But what will you do?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Indeed! Whose, then?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, on re-entering her father's house?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to sneer upon his pale face. "Yes, at the mines." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present sake, don't!" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured remarked. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Not particularly." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "That sounds a little paradoxical." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue go--none." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This spark where all is dark to me." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to shoulder; "he's all right." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door shoulder; "he's all right." "Thank you. Pray proceed." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" heavily into it. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a thin legs towards the fire. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth open." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid presume?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled this poor creature." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His to a light-house. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Yes?" said I. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he affair. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the entirely devoid of interest." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Certainly not. But why?' upon an income of about 60 pounds." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and that, and I came down." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a plantation.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "No, I think that I'll take it." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: me upon any point which I do not make clear." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "You horrify me!" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Very truly yours, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the should be taken.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon case before our client came into the room." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with seen the man in the road." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Yes." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in how narrow had been my escape. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw children over to America with him, so that I found myself without a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said like gravel from a pit.' been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "It looks newer than the other things?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' help us in this matter." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Have you it here?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Not I." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the together. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the ready to-morrow?' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do there were so many in the whole country as were brought together travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" sofa. This way, please!" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I am still in the dark." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "And why?"