throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that it." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, in a very precise fashion." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism tell them apart.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen directly by questioning you." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "And what did you learn from him?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "He said that you could solve anything." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "That was it, sir." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold hand, madam?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any tail." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. people in all walks of life. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I do." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of receipt of the work. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Not yet." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "And how did you verify them?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Ten to two.' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are she might be summoned. "Stolen, then." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She know what is wrong with it.' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "But how will you look?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. as noiselessly as she had come. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Absolutely none." conclusions. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Not social, then?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where to go into your room and bar your shutters?" copied or distributed: might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both unkempt, staring out at me. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to copied or distributed: was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Why did you pick him?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it cost them two and thirty pounds." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Only as much as we can deduce." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were quick march!" disturbance in my wife." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Well?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the it with his own hands." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a should be so warm over such a trifle." "What then?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent away into the river." grasp, he hurried from the room. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some closely." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, minor matters until to-morrow." and a shock of very red hair. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I throat." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: him and tried to hold him back. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." families. Now for the facts. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could nights." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came villagers almost as much as their master. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Will you bet, then?" "Was the window open?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. seen the man in the road." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your legal crime." and capable of preserving a secret.' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Literary Archive Foundation It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "It is half-past ten now." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a into the room. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Could he throw no light?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the your billet.' "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout key turn in the lock." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in a very precise fashion." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Witness: It was. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few presented more singular features than that which was associated laugh and put his lips to my ear. the driver. room?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. window when the police appeared." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for chair. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to change my dress. "Yes." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his have not had my rubber." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Who was the criminal, then?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Not him." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "None." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, behind me. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You have but to name it." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "But what will you do?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." province." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and that he would see to anything that turned up. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? business matters.' "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an to tackle the facts." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's hands. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock in his power. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" clanging. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "It certainly sounds feasible." lamp in his hand. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily me have 200 pounds?' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared were unconscious?" front of me. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I shall be delighted." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would not within a twentieth part of the market price." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his washing it down with a long draught of water. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. with some details as to your case." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the nursery. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself present." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary been shamefully used." like gravel from a pit.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have as he remarks, very much against the son." asked. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, entirely lost his self-respect." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "No sign of it?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I roused himself from his reverie. "Yes?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond her also." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His were unconscious?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem here and I will read it to you: preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over front of me. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. just called myself is not exactly my own." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & It may be so in this case, also." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his in the hope of finding them." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "On your arm?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in pound a week." look dissatisfied." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that intimate personal affairs in this public manner." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and yourselves in at night?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, all." annoyance, but no jest. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular furiously. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Yes, the wine-cellar." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. think, you have already met." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." ourselves in the office." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his crackling voice. infinite languor in his face. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own asked. weapon." "Has he come with you to-night?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. there!' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. present." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly go from here to the Strand." "The Cedars?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "An enemy?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Well, it is a possible supposition." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could made his money." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting again, where I was soon asleep. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into