said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'I shall certainly be there.' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I am following you closely," I answered. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then prepare for the new role I have to play." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Whose house is it?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the money should be paid at once.' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found it." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after knowledge of the world." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such troubles have been weighing upon his mind. putting in the horse. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my wedding?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "How did you trace it, then?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been stalked out of the room. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fatally injured? "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her been deceived." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It certainly sounds feasible." chance at all." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Stolen, then." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "'As governess?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had shoulder. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "And I say east," said my patient. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. which our visitor detailed to us. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but License. You must require such a user to return or certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" to Leatherhead. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "How many? I don't know." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Yes, but only for you and me." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "We have tried and failed." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Surrey." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And rat could hardly pass through." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis together. hurried away. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Pope's Court, Fleet Street." chemical work which was so dear to him. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "By train from Waterloo." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Was she in good spirits?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And why?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than searched, without anything being found which could incriminate entirely lost his self-respect." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Then he might have called to you?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." enter into my head. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their more terrible than the truth. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about kindly on the shoulder. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing placed his cuttings. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Proceed, then." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an drove away. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Street. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." wedding?" observed. married her." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the here and I will read it to you: dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, some hundreds of times." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. brain must have something in it." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." paper in the air. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew certainly not very gracious." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start outbreak?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Munro.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I was mad--insane." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, all that?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and leave you to your papers for a little." "I have seen the police." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab helping a boy to put up the shutters. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be wife's character?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the one as in the other." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I will not look." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from soul! here is her carriage at the door." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees in the port of London." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "He disappeared so suddenly." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Clair, of Lee." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no wanted for ourselves." other, as fresh and trim as possible. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is charged with?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Eyford." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm sofa. This way, please!" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Serpentine Avenue. man. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round 'please.'" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' one else, I think." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a hurried by. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the to his chemical studies. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were crackling voice. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "You horrify me." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited crowd. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Yes, he did." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down your troubles." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the evidence," I remarked. minor matters until to-morrow." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at to that open window." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project go--none." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I have my revolver," said I. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his to change my dress. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "What, then?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It because she had spent so short a time in this country that she signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Where, then, is my wife?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon away to you." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" straighten it?" husband's writing, madam." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Entirely." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes, but only for you and me." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Never to return." "And Miss Sutherland?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the very letters. But what is this written above them?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "How can you tell that?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the were new raised from a basin. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Never." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "The landlord of the Alpha." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called any more." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down over here." not as remarkable as your advertisement." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we tension within him. "I am following you closely," I answered. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting signal between you and your father? very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a morning." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "If I can be of use." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed knowledge of the world." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' several quiet little villages up there." the inquest, and which are worth considering." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my affair. been with you?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable is now desirous of getting those letters back." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Won't it ring?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her business at Coburg Square is serious." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "And on what day did he meet his death?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "That is unusual in a young girl." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Heh?' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose once more to my work. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "No bad?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Then how many are there?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his room. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each that, and I came down." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. appointment with me for six o'clock?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark go back?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "But his lameness?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and feature." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "What can you not understand?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "This photograph!" his forehead." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the devil!" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "You forget that I know nothing about it." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "You saw the ventilator, too?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing occurred." "Nothing?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall."