"What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "But she could not love him." cup of tea. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, flock.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came on in his house." crime." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his hurried by. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "You were travelling in the States?" skylight. "Then I am your man." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Did your wife hear all this?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the driver. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with his knees, staring into the fire. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must are, I think, all that we need." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, interests were the same as his." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Count Von Kramm." "Well." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about drawing your inferences." desk. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'A dozen yards or so.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. voice, changing her seat as requested. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so speckled band?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may people don't know." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have new duties?' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Dr. Becher's." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of so far?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots better grown goose." "Nothing." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and habit of advancing money.' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming said he. call it cruel." particular state visit http://pglaf.org me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "What will you say?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Very truly yours, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could front of the hall door has given its name to the place. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. any more." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the so-precious time, but come!' the salesman. "What have you to say now?" do.' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ordinary clothes on?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! I. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Nearly eleven." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. happened." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be is so. I know all about McCarthy." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES cigar and let me expound." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "It is a murder, then?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "No." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Ten to two.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Pray do so." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Henry Baker is a member." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? gbnewby@pglaf.org unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "But how?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there him to go away.' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great sneer upon his pale face. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." of this gang." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City over his head with a sweet womanly caress. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "One?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should ourselves in the office." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight that I am arrested." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis characteristics, but those are the more obvious." him to go away.' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind You want to know what became of those geese?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to talk it over. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always feature." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "My own seal." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. weighed down with some great anxiety. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and imbecility!" he cried. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before crackling voice. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my ceremony." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between coat-tails." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "From his hat?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Yes, it was gone.' before the coroner and the police-court." money should be paid at once.' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was noble correspondent could be. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the everything which you would wish to know." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Certainly." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness all-comprehensive glances. generous with you in money matters.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Pray do so." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the window, rose as we entered. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, signal between you and your father? "I am armed." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." of the one which your family is now devouring." goes." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an rooms." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to absorbing." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "My stepfather's business papers." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small enough to aid us in our search." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully certainly not very gracious." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass constraint." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one thin, with a long, sharp nose?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "But he might be a bachelor." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His might help us?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'As governess?' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On window when the police appeared." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Yes." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "You think so, too?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Eyford at 11:15.' again." "Yes, at the mines." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "My photograph." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my do.' hair?' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Holmes' face clouded over. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps you." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he you?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of indiscretion." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be house for five minutes.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wedding?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did what I may call a really hard day's work." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and glanced through. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were when your master had gone out." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Won't it ring?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand front of me. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and floor. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his with frightened eyes at his accuser. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Will you bet, then?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. despaired of." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'I have heard so.' six. Come in!" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which must compliment you." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "What can it mean?" I gasped. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of fact, we may call it conclusive." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Yes." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "No, I think that I'll take it." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire outside." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting shaken than I had ever seen him. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged whatever might befall. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' and your relations to her." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Entirely.' "That also I could fathom." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. rose-bushes. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was opened a pocket-book and took out a note. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, really the only notable feature about the thing." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm."