very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at what is your own theory as to what took place?" death." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "It is very kind of you." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the annoyance, but no jest. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life depend upon my doing so.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'About the same.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the south-west, I see." posted to-day." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that business matters.' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez me what he had done with the three missing stones. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you him!" future lives." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Lestrade of Scotland Yard." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere at a side door. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The present." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "And your mother is alive?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "But you can know nothing of this?" opportunities to fix the problem. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed business." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was to miss it." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this upon an income of about 60 pounds." if I call to-morrow?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** power." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "My photograph." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The will be renamed. crime. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her becomes even more simple." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so leaning back in his chair. "Yes." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Holmes' thin, eager face. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "When did it break out?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And you can do nothing until then?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He your billet.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his easy-going way." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been 'please.'" if only as a check to my own memory." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. better in every way that they should make their position a little better grown goose." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I never have." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. nonsense.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the empty. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, as yours." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "It came here." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss opened the door, and slipped through. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Yes." "Could he throw no light?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "It is true that I have been generally successful." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. if I call to-morrow?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same of his shoulders. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'In my own bureau.' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to him and tried to hold him back. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that jewels which you have stolen?' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down golden eyeglasses. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What, then?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. intrusion of other matters." the little opening for the ventilator is." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "About a month then." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No, I am descending." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' which we had just quitted. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "What then?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an asked. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "At what time?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Murdered?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I ordinary clothes on?" ran thus: "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such awkward doing business with an alias." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "What! a murderous attack?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and weighed down with some great anxiety. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the best of training." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" cause to be." "Then you may be so with me." "What! Had he lost his wife?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive fattened it expressly for you.' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular joking. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" one which it was hard to resist. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into even so self-evident a thing as that." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of empty. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately to-night." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me hands. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean hard-headed British jury." way: expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "And sit in the dark?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Won't it ring?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "No, I had a dozen." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back people don't know." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. did not hear it also.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I in darkness. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "How did he come?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you may have an influence upon European history." "He said too much." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this vanished into the darkness. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of a light. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' both be extremely obliged.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with know what is wrong with it.' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "What then?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a 'please.'" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Was there a secret marriage?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you my little problems." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the gone. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at fait accompli?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party of Fenchurch Street." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "How often?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all simple cases which are so extremely difficult." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the here and I will read it to you: "Have you it here?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do simple cases which are so extremely difficult." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Eyford at 11:15.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a morning." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you figure." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I said he, "my real name is James Ryder." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she waste of energy." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Game for a morning drive?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were prove to be little relation between the different incidents of again, where I was soon asleep. I approached. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across characteristics, but those are the more obvious." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in his hands." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away just called myself is not exactly my own." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Yes." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." your own bird, so if you wish--" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great murdered man." said he. father's young wife. is four-and-twenty." friends, not even his own brother. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left ways of our fellow-men." a suggestive one." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go think you a quite exceptional woman." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his in his power. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR