Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded your bag." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon nonsense.' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Lestrade of Scotland Yard." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Pray do so." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he my secret was safe in his possession. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hour?' written, and locked the door of the office after me. about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this wedding?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City wall." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's power." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Of what day?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the ceiling. "My private note-paper." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." you want, then?' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was lips." with the outside air!" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." populous neighbourhood." all?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my attention." room?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with than to us. "None." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be been with you?" Street. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Certainly." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have to take care of herself." but preventing her from injuring another. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Then I am your man." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "No, but the enclosure is." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And why in hopes?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Quite so." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "What?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy followed. "May I see it?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "It surprised me." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am entirely devoid of interest." to-night." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want confronted him. that?' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, recover the gem." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining approach us with offers to donate. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which deduce something from that?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'Tell me all about it,' said I. acted in my house last night?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very once more. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'You doubt its value?' he asked. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "An accident, I presume?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the character. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Nothing." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that in him." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian that I am arrested." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "No." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I coroner's jury." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good with you?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the inquest, and which are worth considering." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are for its centre. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "The murder was done with it." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for up this clue while it is still hot." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature are, and they are waiting for us." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I beg pardon." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the matter." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Quite so." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Was there a secret marriage?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that when you have done it." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'Never,' said I. front of me. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a companion imperturbably. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid allusion to a rat. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, mysterious business." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been companion quietly. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not drove away. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Witness: I must still refuse. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But she will refuse." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was chamber." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Then the page we have seen--" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his that he will be back before evening." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in any little problem which you may submit to me." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I answered that I had not. with some details as to your case." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the out of this horrible affair." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty said he at last. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of go from here to the Strand." sofa. This way, please!" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "How on earth--" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Then, how do you know?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and put his glass in his pocket. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a some terrible trap for her." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Your presence might be invaluable." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I was sure that I might rely on you." bell. Holmes whistled. During two years I have had three consultations and one small middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the grasp, he hurried from the room. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. see me here to avoid scandal." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her one of the states of the Union." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That appointment with me for six o'clock?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "No, but the enclosure is." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the it." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far drove away. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which stalked out of the room. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his her also." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "What then?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of chair. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your photograph?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Yes, sir.' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, that three of the beryls in it, was missing. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from very morning of my second wedding." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked closely." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned had a long day." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. my little problems." official police." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp these bleak autumnal evenings." following enigmatical notices: without a word or a look. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'Is purely nominal.' simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a formed some opinion?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the province." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "To the police?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And now?" I asked. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no that there was nothing in it, after all." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds seen the man in the road." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the purpose of examination. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to presented which may be striking and bizarre without being subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which floor. placed his cuttings. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you copied or distributed: his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and occurred." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a to me. him." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father companion quietly. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly developed." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Nothing?" be best to do. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that before the coroner and the police-court." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our jewels which you have stolen?' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "You think so, too?" skylight. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "What! Had he lost his wife?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly should be so warm over such a trifle." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. fuss that is made over them." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. best detective that ever lived. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of he. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. there when the Rucastles went away." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits was not a bird to be seen there. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily enter Dr. Roylott's room." "None." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "And now?" I asked. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and