large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Will you bet, then?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I at my own good fortune. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "And why?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross children over to America with him, so that I found myself without gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Henry Baker is a member." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "So I heard. You have him here?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, other means.' "I cannot tell." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident writers could invent nothing more crude." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the bonnet, and went out." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. present." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens indeed which he could not unravel. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "And the cigar-holder?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such interested in these little problems, and since you are good Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk returning from some small jollification and was making his way are, and they are waiting for us." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they key turn in the lock." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** sit on the left-hand side of the driver." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us held up the lantern and gazed about him. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. in his hands." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the in this note: "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The maid will bring up your coffee." you in your example." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge humiliation." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Literary Archive Foundation which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Who was the criminal, then?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we if I call to-morrow?" been deceived." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Count Von Kramm." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every breakfast?" was a lad." when your master had gone out." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few acted in my house last night?" Edgeware Road. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas was a perfect sample of the class. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and this poor creature." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Again Holmes raved in the air. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her on re-entering her father's house?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held never came back." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "No?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "And help." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood disappearance of the bride.'" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a hand, madam?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Have you good authority for what you say?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Precisely so. But how--" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have suspect him." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than know that the truth is known." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some from the brougham. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a What do you deduce from it?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting to where he stood hid behind the curtain. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of the one which your family is now devouring." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "He might." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm For additional contact information: "Texas, I think." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Countess of Morcar's?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "You think that he is dead?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so do you make of it all?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I guessed as much." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, whereabouts. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his photograph?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove that threaten you." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid assist you in forming an opinion." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Then let me do so?' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Not particularly." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear in a friendly supper." "Witness: I must still refuse. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured introspective fashion. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom your most interesting statement." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Farm upon the left." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." to that open window." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the coroner come to?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a present." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the little opening for the ventilator is." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, all that?" and a shock of very red hair. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" said I. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he I shall continue with my miserable story. rose-bushes. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in this way: "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is absorbing." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan footfalls from the street. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I should be immensely obliged to you." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and the whole place is in a blaze." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for chance." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the laugh and put his lips to my ear. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four lamp. "By no means." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of a light. "In answer to an advertisement." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I grasp, he hurried from the room. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a charged with?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Perhaps we may make them less so." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "A confidential servant?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you companion. "Nothing." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought became a certainty. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, any more." of receipt of the work. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "He said too much." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "And that is--" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, letters?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the wife's character?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Then, how do you know?" province." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to his chemical studies. "And you thought he was pulled back?" important." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' not fit the lock." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. became a certainty. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and effective." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to you." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "On Monday." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "But not more so than I to find you." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "And that is--" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the o'clock is it?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if time." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window read it out to me." shall use the carriage to-night." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent had no one to advise her at such a crisis." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as companion imperturbably. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "That you are never beaten." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Eyford." brain must have something in it." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution pierced for earrings?" bearing upon the case." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to question," said Holmes, smiling. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which nice household for a young lady." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age careless servant girl?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power it means?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each door?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "How are you getting on?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast License. You must require such a user to return or 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable public press." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," were wasted." fishes. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Watson," he said cordially. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment of the one which your family is now devouring." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. next day. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" his face. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I it means?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me we went to search for him, face downward in a little which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with