"I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Sutherland. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in helping a boy to put up the shutters. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my his eyes and forehead. "I have a cab outside." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about your billet.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." ventilator." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I cannot think." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "How did that help you?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This my special province." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" entirely devoid of interest." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite bird of prey. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. all-comprehensive glances. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I will try. What is it?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the dangers which encompass me." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the of." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my my special province." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his wedding?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. of the way of danger. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned chance at all." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of like that before?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if room had already been engaged for us. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "No." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. breakfast." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. unkempt, staring out at me. back to my heart. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And did you observe any change in her then?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became will find little credit to be gained out of this case." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have I gained?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "What have you to say now?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez name is different." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a persecution?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It surprised me." the roots. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently use an arc-and-compass breastpin." whatever might befall. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Not him." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we excitement. "'It is locked up,' I answered. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which then?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Yes." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in it were putty." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Serpentine Avenue. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such him nearly every evening." for the market.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To brain must have something in it." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. until night should bring an explanation. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "It is possible." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped like gravel from a pit.' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn you found me to-night--and running through the front room she mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Of what?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Entirely.' "It certainly sounds feasible." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. lost nothing by them." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "His face fell immediately. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no in my life." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked way in everything. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But your client--" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He it means?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Could he throw no light?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. III. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Very much so." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "You have carte blanche." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, more solid." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not whether it answered to the description of any of their I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. garden below. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, your Highness to the police-station?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Look there!" said he. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "It is his hat." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" directors, with the result that you have seen." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Holmes. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of with some details as to your case." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Where, indeed?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that brandy and water within his reach. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Where to?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "No, I had a dozen." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the King without delay." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Yes, at the mines." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Then what has happened to him?" Holmes' thin, eager face. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the roots. "But you can know nothing of this?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "'What then?' I asked. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my shaken than I had ever seen him. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler over here." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a round with crates and massive boxes. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I one else, I think." "Precisely." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "9th. McCauley cleared. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I am in hopes that she does." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "What have you to say now?" that threaten you." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my beyond words. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday woman." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." helping a boy to put up the shutters. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away to tell." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was upon a handsome competence. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing was already answered. you." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "And sit in the dark?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, fuss that is made over them." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that least a fellow-countryman. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." cup of tea. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Then let me do so?' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Yes?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get key of the affair now." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your clang of the bell. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to delighted to hear it," he said. telegram would bring me down to your help." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I cannot as yet see any connection." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. if only as a check to my own memory." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of money should be paid at once.' still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the room while you explain this matter?"