'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob danger is over." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "That also I could fathom." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I am not easy in my mind about them." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something it means?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. ventilator." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken take the flies, but not before." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I promise," said Holmes. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project companion imperturbably. "And that is--" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Were they all fastened this morning?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Who was the criminal, then?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Which are?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it but preventing her from injuring another. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. electronic works attention." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that own family. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I should like to see him very much." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the occupations.' "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Look there!" said he. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and the colonel ushered me in. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "That sounds a little paradoxical." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able for and were ordered to this address. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he heavily into it. an introduction to him?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. assist you in forming an opinion." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had States. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Then, how do you know?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the footfalls from the street. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I crackling voice. persecution?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a window when the police appeared." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the him to be an active member of the medical profession." me what he had done with the three missing stones. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Foundation "I will try. What is it?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. some terrible trap for her." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one during which he might have communicated with his friend the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he for its centre. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a dead, shall be safe with us." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "It is solved." "But you have hopes?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hair?' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was murdered man." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "The rest you will leave in our hands." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I don't believe it." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I shall most certainly do so." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bill, which interests me deeply." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and said he. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. disappearance of the bride.'" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel comes from the middle window." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved she has been waylaid. There has been no result." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'Yes, sir.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the iron safe, which he closed upon it. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "What! Had he lost his wife?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is jewels which you have stolen?' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Precisely so. But how--" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "That's no good." my friend's incisive reasoning. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to certainly do as you advise." might help us?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and heavy and sharp instrument." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given to me. "May I see it?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding have not had my rubber." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt tied." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce few hundred pounds.' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Chief Executive and Director he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is meanly of me." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Cross for the Continent." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking British peeress.'" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "So I heard. You have him here?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I never have." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my was shining brightly. thirty. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been James Windibank. Voilà tout!" 1.F. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the awaited us upon the table. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Pray do so." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I shall most certainly do so." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Nothing." "I see many objections to any such theory." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I say it is." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' business matters.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public from the brougham. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the records." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind outside. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the King without delay." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he strong and stiff." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." remarked. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I confronted him. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in one else, I think." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I have hopes." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Witness: I must still refuse. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in here and I will read it to you: lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Was the window open?" the Red-headed League." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to have been novel and of interest." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I cannot imagine." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "My last client of the sort was a king." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he morning." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is time." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It is very kind of you." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the had a long day." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace did not hear it also.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "And when will you call?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was true." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "By train from Waterloo." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" What do you deduce from it?" are, I think, all that we need." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done as the one I chose?' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is pound a week." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking simple cases which are so extremely difficult." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can to that open window." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for bell. Holmes whistled. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another see me here to avoid scandal." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom how narrow had been my escape. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my trifles." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the inquest, and which are worth considering." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "You will not go there first?" "Where is it, then?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the fuss that is made over them." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was spare." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger there in twenty minutes." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Ample." had formerly been in part my own. waste of energy." arrested. You then--" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Pool. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who