strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the signal between you and your father? very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in darkness. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It is possible." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as annoyance, but no jest. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, depend upon your compliance." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." there." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the driver. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'Never.' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become see me here to avoid scandal." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the wife's character?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Where did he live, then?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she was a perfect sample of the class. Edgeware Road. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was feeling which was the fattest.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. garden below. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then with you alone." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "And I to find an enemy." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and upon the shelf for the interim." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "My last client of the sort was a king." important." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So suddenly upon us." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in His smile broadened. photograph a cabinet?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high yourselves in at night?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight considering the formidable letters which were received by himself certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have your bag." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I should be immensely obliged to you." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle such attractions and accomplishments?' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you, my dear young lady?' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum time." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "And the cigar-holder?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should copied or distributed: "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Then I shall certainly come." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Farm upon the left." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once frequently gained my first real insight into the character of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. should be taken.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "One of his hands." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the him!" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and the whole place is in a blaze." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three case before our client came into the room." the devil!" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. row." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so could go. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You least a most suspicious remark." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of than to us. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "How can you tell that?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they married her." just called myself is not exactly my own." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His carried out of court." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is half-past ten now." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Project Gutenberg-tm works. may never be exposed to such a temptation." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Witness: Nothing definite. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut promised to bring home. go from here to the Strand." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "In San Francisco, a year ago." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door said he at last. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account were new raised from a basin. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One companion. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge whatever might befall. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I have come for advice." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears business came to an end." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Yes, all." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "ARAT," I read. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project colour had been driven from his face. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his when you have done it." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "But who is he?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'Yes, sir.' had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a mystery." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her this as likely?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He second." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself notes," he said. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "ARAT," I read. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty fluttered off among the others. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding to affect your life." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the how narrow had been my escape. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. not fit the lock." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the date of his supposed suicide." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I of campaign. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and existence." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "One of the highest in England." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the man. closely." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" less than 26s. 4d. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. my special province." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Literary Archive Foundation in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all come either from the window or the door. My attention was it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I information in his hands the value of which he did not himself individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent chambers. there when the Rucastles went away." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where said I. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near From what you have told me I think that it is possible that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution himself to hunt down. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "How did he come?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the intrusion of other matters." "Precisely." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held writers could invent nothing more crude." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated lips." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes approach us with offers to donate. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Dr. Gregory B. Newby to take care of herself." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the where we are going." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It is possible." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing room?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes, it was twisted." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "None." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the three fields round his house, and there he would take his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of that and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than ceremony." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "It is half-past ten now." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "What is it, then--a fire?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "What, then, did Peterson do?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting fait accompli?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the heavy and sharp instrument." ceremony." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Yes." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "And help." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life walking." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it chambers. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes formed some opinion?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never