in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's good-night and bustled off upon her way. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "How did he come?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Your sister is dead, then?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was galvanised. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made meant." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to a light-house. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness depend upon my doing so.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to you understand?" morning." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I nodded to show that I had heard. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful later, upon the night of May 2nd." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while this man was intellectual?" "Well." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I assure you that I am in your hands." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." is," said he presently: again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down questionable one." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I from the brougham. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "'No, I know no one in these parts.' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project I think that I could be of assistance to you." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "A client, then?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking side. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Of what day?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, danger is over." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very enter Dr. Roylott's room." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him stood on the top of it. possible that we could bring him back to her? "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "But how will you look?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a that I am arrested." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "It is no ordinary one." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I was sure that I might rely on you." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were that?' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the dangers which encompass me." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "There is the writing." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes, but only for you and me." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the very morning of my second wedding." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sofa. This way, please!" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "'Certainly not.' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own better in every way that they should make their position a little "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Sholtos." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "And I say east," said my patient. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I of Mr. Rucastle's." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Quite so. She has her freedom." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that The note was undated, and without either signature or address. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Literary Archive Foundation was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but think you a quite exceptional woman." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending asked. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I know where it is." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 I leave." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." him. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Does that suggest anything?" "An accident, I presume?" for and were ordered to this address. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Mary, has deserted me." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, hardly wander." "Absolutely?" read it out to me." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm His smile broadened. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was you?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "None." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. noting anything else of interest. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I cannot imagine." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the The King stared at him in amazement. "'Certainly not.' that I can to serve you." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at hour?' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the station." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You have a clue?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual to change my dress. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Indeed! Whose, then?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid someone who had been in Australia." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Yes, but only for you and me." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I assure you that I am in your hands." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at wedding?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours prepare for the new role I have to play." emerged. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." taking in every detail of the apartment. with you?" ordinary clothes on?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "How many? I don't know." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Yes, certainly." any more." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was fuss that is made over them." were wasted." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "How do you know, then?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in fishes. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Why, what do you mean?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I have an American origin." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Get out!" said he. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." that he will be back before evening." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Certainly." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "And why?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of the way of danger. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I never have." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and the whole place is in a blaze." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Nothing." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no respectable self." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would open." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so time." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." presume?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And how did you verify them?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Breckinridge is his name." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be again on its way. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary young Openshaw's." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded main points of my analysis." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "What do you mean?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "The doctor?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Nothing?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father present." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off dramatic, in fact." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "No. What a strange idea!" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Farm upon the left." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are up this clue while it is still hot." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. gone. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I was certainly surprised to find you there." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Does that suggest anything?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be questioning and rather startled gaze. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "And it is--" most interesting one." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no not fit the lock." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but four million human beings all jostling each other within the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be voice, changing her seat as requested. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to Leatherhead. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of Mr. Rucastle's." here." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' present." "Yes." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "But we can't all be." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. events than those which have happened in my own family." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "What do you make of that, Watson?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "BALLARAT." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the best of training." official police." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your