breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at means taking possession of that which another person has a prior lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the night.' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he. "Your sister is dead, then?" "By no means." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Yes." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Cross for the Continent." I. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Yesterday." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "The Coroner: What do you mean? effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were manager. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Clair, of Lee." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "But what harm can there be in that?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Clair, of Lee." "I don't believe it." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two was used.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no that you saw all that I did." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as have got?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from along the entire front of the house, with three long windows prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to his wife has ceased to love him." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the address that was given us in the advertisement. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, writer." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most had this final quarrel? and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the investigation." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that I may have something better before very many minutes are magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the unclasping of his long thin hands. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Nothing?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Witness: Nothing definite. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Not I." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the it." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I together. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Frequently." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Nothing?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the together. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet know what is wrong with it.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You forget that I know nothing about it." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to tell me that you intended to go into harness." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to fact, we may call it conclusive." "Is he quiet?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I I have it here in my museum." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank unprofitable." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes, but only for you and me." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Murdered?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'Certainly not. But why?' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, him to be an active member of the medical profession." "What shall I do?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Cross for the Continent." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 residence of the great financier. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through your most interesting statement." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked whatever might befall. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "No, I am descending." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "The rest you will leave in our hands." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother garden below. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to very old mansion. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, which our visitor detailed to us. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the himself to hunt down. Does that suggest anything?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Doctor, of the paper and the date." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It to tell." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Surrey." "What! Had he lost his wife?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "At what time?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "My stepfather's business papers." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "No, finished." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. child?' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came had picked up in the wood. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "So I am. Very much so." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told a very grave face. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to in the port of London." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Precisely." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. business at Coburg Square is serious." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. wanted for ourselves." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so on in his house." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." be.' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I was sure that I might rely on you." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting footfalls from the street. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "But you have hopes?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended you came in." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about call for protection in the marriage market, for the present of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "And what then?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it indeed which he could not unravel. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now I shall continue with my miserable story. McCarthy's innocence. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and electronic works "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on flock.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "And on what day did he meet his death?" "And how in the world did you find them?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of McCarthy's innocence. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might father's place of business?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had that before taking the final step I should like to submit the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to your sleep?' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And why?" "It looks newer than the other things?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident conduct the inquiry." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will paper in the air. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and looked back. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was upon an income of about 60 pounds." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away directors, with the result that you have seen." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Just look it up, then." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the there in twenty minutes." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, then?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, heavily into it. towards the blaze. definite end. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "That you are never beaten." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I arrested. You then--" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much bird of prey. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who success. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Where does the thing come from?' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest particular state visit http://pglaf.org after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass weigh very heavily upon my conscience." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "No, thank goodness, she did not." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's taking in every detail of the apartment. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself British peeress.'" "And how in the world did you find them?" the station." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes." danger is over." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "And who is her maid?" through." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He his knees, staring into the fire. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Precisely." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I cannot imagine." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and laid it on the table. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "My photograph." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. of the vacancies.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg question you as to those details which seem to me to be most have I gained?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Witness: It was. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Frequently." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my him to be an active member of the medical profession." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Then what has happened to him?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And what did you learn from him?" invisible to me," I remarked. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable and that he would see to anything that turned up. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled his huge brown hands. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "My dear Holmes!" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we meant." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will directors have had misgivings upon the subject." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do