"'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I shall be delighted." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his take the flies, but not before." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil married her." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it signal between you and your father? "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save said he. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his interest. They are important, you understand, without being matter." "Was your sister dressed?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over had died away into the silence from which it rose. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Has he come with you to-night?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It is possible." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want was once confined in the cab my mission was practically received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with floor. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "We must have a cab." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I should like to see him very much." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear some terrible trap for her." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which spark where all is dark to me." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must was a loud and authoritative tap. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the upon the white wrist. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of green of the new foliage. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought is four-and-twenty." bachelor.' compunction about shooting them down." anything to do with the matter?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And I to find an enemy." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a This is what he says: that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Yes. He waved his hands." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I upon the sideboard." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "And leave your case unfinished?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have What do you deduce from it?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw to affect your life." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in a very precise fashion." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened constraint." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "VIOLET HUNTER." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this notes," he said. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Just look it up, then." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would look dissatisfied." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You will not go there first?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide sooner or later she must fall a victim. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the coronet in his hand?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: power." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can did not hear it also.' "My dear Holmes!" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "It is very clear." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door careless servant girl?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety friend's singular character. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote not interfere, come what may. You understand?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange roused himself from his reverie. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the row." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Never to return." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "That is easily got." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "No, distinctly professional." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your interests were the same as his." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sound at heart." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something some city in a dream. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and looked back. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the salesman. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "How did that help you?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind waste of energy." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, colour had been driven from his face. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I am about to be married." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in call the police, let the police find what they can.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'Yes, sir.' "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush case before our client came into the room." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened room. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I was sure that I might rely on you." and wait." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Can I be of assistance?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Really! You surprise me." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "You horrify me!" "But he might be a bachelor." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and have this put in the evening papers." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had unprofitable." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some child?' results." "But the mystery?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and opened the door, and slipped through. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love flock.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in again before evening." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help as yours." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of events than those which have happened in my own family." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I would pay ten." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." made his money." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon way in." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Come in!" said Holmes. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." my special province." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "What shall I do?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed it with his own hands." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced least a fellow-countryman. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of already referred to. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed be best to do. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "No." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Always." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was there has been an enclosure here!" redistribution. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "And the murderer?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a fashion which was peculiar to him. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Yes." "Won't it ring?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "What, then, did Peterson do?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Of Friday, June 19th." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. think you a quite exceptional woman." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out yet." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of I shall continue with my miserable story. "Oh, fresh and glossy." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was October 9, 1890. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "And the cigar-holder?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Literary Archive Foundation "But your client--" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must than to us. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "And from a noble client?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go see a sister of mine apply for." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady sentimental considerations in the background which would induce pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as go back?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "And why?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with allusion to a rat. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Ha! you find it so?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most