"He disappeared so suddenly." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was nothing with him." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and in this note: learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set and capable of preserving a secret.' fear." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "What, then?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable even of instruction." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." some terrible trap for her." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Holmes. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and union?" "An accident, I presume?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "And why?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Just look it up, then." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. neither fascinating nor artistic." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bill, which interests me deeply." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as walking." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Henry Baker is a member." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in could go. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That heavy and sharp instrument." wall." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the you give your casting vote to?" our word." gone. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "No, I am descending." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's how narrow had been my escape. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I would pay ten." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "By no means." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the date of his supposed suicide." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to The King stared at him in amazement. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the roots. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came train.' the King without delay." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to occupations.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. jewels which you have stolen?' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, photograph?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "To the police?" dear old homesteads?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Sholtos." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have back into the street. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project investigation." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to do.' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a me have 200 pounds?' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the forbidden door. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Certainly." and your relations to her." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want never came back." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I have a cab outside." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood to have been novel and of interest." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned important." room. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Was there a secret marriage?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "No more words. Get out!" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the ready to-morrow?' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable already referred to. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of relief. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you hopeless attempt at recovering them." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Oh, the cause is excellent!" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were The events in question occurred in the early days of my was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is later, upon the night of May 2nd." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "The King of Scandinavia." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no was keenly on my guard against him. Have you good authority for what you say?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. tail." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and gone. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been think you a quite exceptional woman." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Why serious?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting key turn in the lock." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Here?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a letters?" "Nothing?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Holmes. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the had picked up in the wood. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a about here speaks of his kindness to him." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking charge against him will break down." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "No, my brougham is waiting." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." once more. had picked up in the wood. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these few hundred pounds.' return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "This concluded the examination of the witness." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better of Fenchurch Street." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always goes." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Does that suggest anything?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I shall most certainly do so." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just carpenter." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "In answer to an advertisement." "Not I." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I points to suicide?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, hour." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for it were putty." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door success. morning." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and I shall be with you presently." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "I am in hopes that she does." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might spare." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to to go into your room and bar your shutters?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have perplexity from it to my illustrious client. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing upon an income of about 60 pounds." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend trifles." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The summons was a brief and urgent one. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the roots. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you his knees, staring into the fire. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "And how did you verify them?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem fasten all the windows?" "No bad?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every floor. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one less than 26s. 4d. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Not in the least." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Was your sister dressed?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that, and I came down." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold have I gained?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but prison!" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the must compliment you." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking better in every way that they should make their position a little is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' attention." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or one else, I think." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the voice. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the to-night." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "What do you make of that, Watson?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other you give your casting vote to?" that you can jump it.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such call for protection in the marriage market, for the present suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And Miss Sutherland?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the stable lane now." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. them present such singular features as the strange train of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they helping a boy to put up the shutters. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "What is it, then--a fire?" "Yes." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became passage and a tap at the door. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Miss Holder?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I am about to be married." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. o'clock is it?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story indiscretion." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old been lifted and conveyed somewhere." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the room while you explain this matter?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Not him." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. derbies." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But down from London to inquire more deeply into it." British peeress.'" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go strength of mind to control. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I will do it." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the best detective that ever lived. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone served to weaken the effect. easy-going way." weighed down with some great anxiety. people don't know." that he will be back before evening." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. burst out into a roar of laughter. train.' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of