impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, eavesdroppers?' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a bonnet, and went out." "And who is her maid?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it in him." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "A thing like a cleaver," said he. maiden herself was most instructive." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "What then?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes enough to aid us in our search." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in a friendly supper." "'Yes, sir.' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her despair." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second in a very precise fashion." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Thank you. And your address?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper both be extremely obliged.' practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really crime." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Literary Archive Foundation the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "10th. John Swain cleared. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you them?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom gentleman's clothes. "Where to?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of photograph?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and enter Dr. Roylott's room." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "No, my brougham is waiting." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." be. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I she might be summoned. crackling voice. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say society." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well wedding?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Did you become engaged then?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "I am in hopes that she does." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose narrative." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "What do you mean?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe in one or two places in England?' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious you in yours." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of been with you?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he in one or two places in England?' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the acquaintance?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Holmes. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Here?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." national property. I was determined that the law should have its reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious For additional contact information: work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other again before evening." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Two days later this same performance was gone through under departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable guilty parties." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and been." of your young ladies.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your you." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at on re-entering her father's house?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations for its centre. this remarkable episode. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face events than those which have happened in my own family." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of window when the police appeared." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Nearly eleven." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would fattened it expressly for you.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all purpose of examination. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. your sleep?' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit to a light-house. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It humiliation." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the Assizes." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and effective." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely directly by questioning you." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Could he throw no light?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "What office?" this man was intellectual?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "An enemy?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in murdered man." strength of mind to control. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "And how in the world did you find them?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the best of training." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very http://www.gutenberg.net house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Proceed, then." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Then how many are there?" from you?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had points to suicide?" "On Monday." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it opened the door, and slipped through. "His face fell immediately. would apply.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a behind me. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than three fields round his house, and there he would take his which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the Assizes." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and examine." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the Red-headed League." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Countess of Morcar's?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "But she will refuse." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Where to?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin laugh and put his lips to my ear. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near standing smiling on the door-step. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Absolutely none." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts as he remarks, very much against the son." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It is no ordinary one." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I help us in this matter." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle unclasping of his long thin hands. sufficient punishment." friends, not even his own brother. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. empty. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." most interesting one." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the despair." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me you found me to-night--and running through the front room she liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New is," said he presently: and a shock of very red hair. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I must compliment you." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Entirely." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'Never,' said I. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. even so self-evident a thing as that." himself. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the Red-headed League." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." is four-and-twenty." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to of." said Mr. Holder. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham on re-entering her father's house?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls locked." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. companion. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "And help." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Now, then, what's the last entry?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Here?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Not yet." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful me. You must get home instantly and act." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and deduce something from that?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Why serious?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt woman who has had her own way to make in the world. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "But what harm can there be in that?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs that?' "Murdered?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Arthur Conan Doyle so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I do." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the back into the street. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that?' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "No more words. Get out!"