"'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled brain must have something in it." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "My dear Holmes!" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four do.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the husband's writing, madam." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we problems help me to do so." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "And what then?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell awkward doing business with an alias." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw in his power. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle upon a handsome competence. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I was afraid that you were engaged." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Were they all fastened this morning?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. bears upon the case?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and there when the Rucastles went away." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; bachelor.' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "In San Francisco, a year ago." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, article?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'What then?' I asked. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your yards of it?' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a fattened it expressly for you.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that sofa. This way, please!" "And how did you verify them?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I have my revolver," said I. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became The note was undated, and without either signature or address. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and me. "My photograph." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "And how did you find out?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "You were travelling in the States?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Well, but China?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." time." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that?' this poor creature." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Won't it ring?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Of what?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found south, for the country is more deserted there." peculiar to him. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "No, distinctly professional." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and glanced through. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards three fields round his house, and there he would take his she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Where, then, is my wife?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ready to-morrow?' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had back to my heart. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." been shamefully used." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair crackling voice. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Eh? What was that?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me despair." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, lumber-room." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between III. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "No legal papers or certificates?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. is four-and-twenty." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Street. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my more solid." unprecedented a position." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, signal between you and your father? Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a suggestive one." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a bearing upon the case." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to have that photograph." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and in his power. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt points to suicide?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after entirely devoid of interest." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not in this note: that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "And the murderer?" a suggestive one." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken place no limit on the sum I may draw." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'And what salary do you ask?' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of upon a handsome competence. colonel looking down at me. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend fish-monger and a tide-waiter." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I was sure that I might rely on you." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Entirely." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the enter into my head. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and what is your own theory as to what took place?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on fact, we may call it conclusive." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who for securing the situation." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the thin legs towards the fire. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, are, and they are waiting for us." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "How are you getting on?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, is now desirous of getting those letters back." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in once more on the important position which you have been fortunate not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep note?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were in. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" photograph a cabinet?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little there." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and it need not interfere very much with one's other writers could invent nothing more crude." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and in the hope of finding them." recover the gem." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." spark where all is dark to me." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the delirious. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" opportunities to fix the problem. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." power." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend thought that she would have been so carried away." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must my secret was safe in his possession. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES strong and stiff." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'And what salary do you ask?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, showing my impatience. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "What is it?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, that "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the heavily into it. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "An accident, I presume?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were be.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client question," said Holmes, smiling. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "What! a murderous attack?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, himself to tell his story. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. union?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the station." soul! here is her carriage at the door." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am upon the white wrist. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in For additional contact information: "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten rose-bushes. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed coat-tails." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS who was a member of your goose club." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing have been better. It is all right." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled introspective fashion. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Won't it ring?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from