ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the said Mr. Holder. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a has little to do with my story." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be people in all walks of life. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your letters?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I will not look." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly he died? "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel ways of our fellow-men." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little leave you to your papers for a little." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email likely to be some crony of the landlady's." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'And the work?' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "You will not go there first?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who bare slabs of marble. vault. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I shall most certainly do so." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "You have the photograph?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, His name is Francis Prosper." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. even of instruction." the matter?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "No legal papers or certificates?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "No bad?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'And what salary do you ask?' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Nothing?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "It is no ordinary one." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the outbreak?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "None." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old child?' not personally threatened." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler off." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who upon an income of about 60 pounds." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may your most interesting statement." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "And sit in the dark?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "No?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was been able to understand it, in a very few words. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'Then let me do so?' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Get out!" said he. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Yes." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to have that photograph." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "But I have heard all that you have heard." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. corner of the building. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Quite sure, dad.' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in detained." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in nights." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and enter into my head. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San I shall communicate with you." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "No." to-morrow." the bed, and you in that chair." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, results." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only once more to my work. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his upon the sideboard." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "The landlord of the Alpha." call it cruel." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it be sorry for having acted so harshly." your co-operation." which was all perfectly true. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord hardly wander." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with bell. Holmes whistled. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have detective. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, murdered man." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." know that the truth is known." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was strong and stiff." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced was shining brightly. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" in the port of London." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are out of this horrible affair." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." flock.' copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear chair. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I fluttered off among the others. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "9th. McCauley cleared. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the nothing of it?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Perhaps I have." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. this remarkable episode. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. happened." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the he died? "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if in your London, you will know that the office of the company is her also." "Her father is very rich?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion nonsense.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Sholtos." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not became a certainty. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "No legal papers or certificates?" "It is very kind of you." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave photograph a cabinet?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Texas, I think." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. always that they were such commands as a lady might with simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "So it appears." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It drove away. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, think, you have already met." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "And Miss Sutherland?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would distinguish the words: now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very me what he had done with the three missing stones. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass heavy and sharp instrument." case before our client came into the room." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that him!" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Murdered?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling leaning back in his chair. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You have a clue?" "Yes." man. "Who was the criminal, then?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' not fit the lock." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give The events in question occurred in the early days of my ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a strength of mind to control. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door is a common subject for conversation. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H society." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "But you can know nothing of this?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Your sister is dead, then?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, what do you think they found in the pockets?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the general public were present, then?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the stones. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Were they all fastened this morning?" Heh?' depend upon your compliance." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Nearly eleven." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any something of him before." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped o'clock is it?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Frequently." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and files of the old papers, following the future career of every comes from the middle window." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "What do you mean?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six in this note: on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more your room." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we such person." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to interested in these little problems, and since you are good "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm there were one or two details which were new to me. But the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten