few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my gone. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Breckinridge is his name." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or infinite languor in his face. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection better grown goose." o'clock is it?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was you do it in twenty minutes!' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon amused." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I was mad--insane." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the morning and make my own way in the world.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my arms and began to sob in a high treble key. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Because he was handy and would come cheap." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial tell him that I know him to be innocent." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one strode off upon his way. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and how narrow had been my escape. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there London for the present?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the coronet at all injured?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, appeal." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Quite sure, dad.' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the dangers which encompass me." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Was your sister dressed?" gone. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** indeed which he could not unravel. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to too. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Arthur Conan Doyle rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Pool. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend perplexity from it to my illustrious client. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "But he might be a bachelor." golden eyeglasses. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction side. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours populous neighbourhood." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." as he folded up the epistle. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, this remarkable episode. "Was she in good spirits?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my will be renamed. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more excitement. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other I shall continue with my miserable story. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Sholtos." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. colonel looking down at me. come either from the window or the door. My attention was villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the You want to know what became of those geese?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." future lives." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" to tackle the facts." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It is possible." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "And is that all?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Her father is very rich?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "No more words. Get out!" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Pray do so." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "There is the writing." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of guilty one." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have second." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From keep the flames under. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Not in the least." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I say that I have solved it." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have who was a member of your goose club." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to be.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he morning." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." fear." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the driver. as yours." helping a boy to put up the shutters. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom of fine shops and stately business premises that they really comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hour?' it." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, crowd. served to weaken the effect. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would remarked. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "He is still with you, I presume?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but way in." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "And Irene Adler?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "You are hungry," I remarked. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "You think so, too?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left coroner's jury." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'I have already given you my word.' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of way: might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the iron safe, which he closed upon it. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my such attractions and accomplishments?' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I will, Miss Turner." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "My own seal." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Well, but China?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "And now?" He raised his hand. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Then you may be so with me." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss allusion to a rat. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her question," said Holmes, smiling. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions use an arc-and-compass breastpin." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not money should be paid at once.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it clang of the bell. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm way: "And that is--" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" for and were ordered to this address. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at one or two very singular points about this room. For example, writer." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Why? What do you mean?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I later, upon the night of May 2nd." more solid." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Yes." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony him to be an active member of the medical profession." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But his lameness?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "So it appears." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "And how did he make his money?" "To ruin me." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I was mad--insane." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Arthur Conan Doyle weapon." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "That is also quite modern," said the lady. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "You horrify me!" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "And I say east," said my patient. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "How often?" "Never." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "My Mary? Impossible!" in a friendly supper." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So note?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," problems help me to do so." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I open." where we are going." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." used to be." "What is it, then--a fire?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I him nearly every evening." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'Where could I find him?' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "What will you do, then?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for have got?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of of the way of danger. me what he had done with the three missing stones. villagers almost as much as their master. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "No, distinctly professional." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "That is possible." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I should wish to." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. his huge brown hands. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and effective." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my