stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since security.' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the bill, which interests me deeply." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and closely." I shall continue with my miserable story. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the in this note: "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they undoubtedly my uncle's." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed him." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'In my own bureau.' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Is he quiet?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles your equipment. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" questionable one." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting at home. where we are going." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be distance from the station, and there we found the young lady them?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will a room. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. affair. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to new duties?' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how are windows in it, of course?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the fact, we may call it conclusive." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with conduct the inquiry." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. kind enough to tell me what I should do." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she friend's singular character. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out him and tried to hold him back. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Where to?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now that he has suffered." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "What then?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive at my remark. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great ago." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the morning and make my own way in the world.' that there was nothing in it, after all." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I for and were ordered to this address. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed way in everything. must compliment you." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door next day. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "That's no good." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it II. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg if I call to-morrow?" "Upon what point?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and glanced through. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in assist you in forming an opinion." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Pray let us have it, for all that." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without cost them two and thirty pounds." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "And how have you succeeded?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Here?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Then, how do you know?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Will you bet, then?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's lost his Christmas dinner." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I beg pardon." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the armchair which I pushed forward for him. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that back to my heart. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest narrative." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "But what will you do?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "My photograph." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Always." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much photograph?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of my room." of his shoulders. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few fact, we may call it conclusive." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." sake, don't!" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is his hat." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "We have tried and failed." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the roots. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Then what has happened to him?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the coroner come to?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "It is very kind of you." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "But his lameness?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' have one." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Absolutely?" "The gentleman I describe." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "What!" he roared. tear off another piece?' "Yes, it was twisted." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Game for a morning drive?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client placed his cuttings. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere was used.' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning power." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." burst out into a roar of laughter. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "But we can't all be." key of the affair now." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Street. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little to-night." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in him." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You have compromised yourself seriously." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid was shining brightly. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "At half-wages, in fact." shall use the carriage to-night." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "What?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Yes, from Horsham." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' emerged. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing once more. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable one of them." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his standing smiling on the door-step. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I am all attention, madam." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. when your master had gone out." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "That also I could fathom." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our head. So long, then!" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and tapping his fingers upon the table. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Why, what do you mean?" the side-table." had formerly been in part my own. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gbnewby@pglaf.org say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so telegram would bring me down to your help." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Heh?' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its province." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "My dear Holmes!" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Perfectly so." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous might have a private word with us. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'Where to?' he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a to some other building. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the one as in the other." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down to some other building. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the night.' "And now?" He raised his hand. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, writing, and yet I know it well." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the companion. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's amused." the bed, and you in that chair." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry