it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly your Highness to the police-station?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first husband's writing, madam." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Yes." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to manager. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "The Coroner: What do you mean? seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was been able to understand it, in a very few words. security.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss garden below. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid goes." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "It is half-past ten now." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. have accepted such a situation. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill power." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. mysterious business." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only directors have had misgivings upon the subject." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "But how?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless formed some opinion?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient dramatic, in fact." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt said he at last. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "That is not always so easy." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the our word." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, later, upon the night of May 2nd." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I door?" "'A dozen yards or so.' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow chemical work which was so dear to him. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "This photograph!" back into the street. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Sutherland?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it question," said Holmes, smiling. made his money." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause voice, changing her seat as requested. woman." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman results." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my It may be so in this case, also." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is where Mr. Fordham shows you.' in his power. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Never to return." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no friend's singular character. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the tragedy. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I have my revolver," said I. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Have you it here?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the bled considerably." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the distinguish the words: clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of into the room. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "No." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'Which dealer's?' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away never to learn it at all." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call I nodded to show that I had heard. the date of his supposed suicide." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an window when the police appeared." chamber." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "And why?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a brain must have something in it." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement to a light-house. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come do you make of it all?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "In heaven's name, what for?" "But she could not love him." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to awaited us upon the table. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Seven!" I answered. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your said I. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his suspect him." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of Mr. Rucastle's." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in closely." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Then, how do you know?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that British peeress.'" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the very morning of the wedding." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a suddenly upon us." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "How did you deduce the select?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. make me his representative both with the servants and with the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do before the coroner and the police-court." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a once more. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to someone who had been in Australia." to some other building. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy photograph?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was used.' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up sentimental considerations in the background which would induce conduct the inquiry." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Never to return." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in you came in." possible that we could bring him back to her? brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned south, for the country is more deserted there." "The murder was done with it." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'Yes, sir.' woven round him. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an touch that coronet?' "BALLARAT." them?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the running down." "You have the photograph?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, she to prove their authenticity?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may in his hands." to a more successful conclusion." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "What, then?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." back alive. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that he has suffered." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "But how will you look?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that I may have something better before very many minutes are than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the fait accompli?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are derbies." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I promise," said Holmes. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "My Mary? Impossible!" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Holmes. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any to you." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "But she could not love him." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Not in the least." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from village inn over there?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. had picked up in the wood. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Not particularly." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms behind me. Surrey." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's could go. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in your equipment. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Arthur Conan Doyle tension within him. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Not in a good cause." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Here?" key turn in the lock." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about way in." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "My own seal." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'Which dealer's?' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "You'll never persuade me to believe that." to his chemical studies. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that again, where I was soon asleep. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the how narrow had been my escape. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Did your wife hear all this?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Not in the least." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It certainly sounds feasible." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by to affect your life." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Always." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "The Coroner: What do you mean? we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" sparkled upon his finger. in my life." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you reach." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "And now?" He raised his hand. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his