Chief Executive and Director quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Yes." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying anything to do with the matter?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the them, and came down just as you departed. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I think it very unlikely." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had him and tried to hold him back. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a not, dad?" she asked. chair. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." empty. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Proceed, then." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "It is possible." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." could not have written that. It is the German who is so ceremony." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that and effective." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious 'please.'" said he at last. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love she slowly sank and died without having recovered her roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Watson," he said cordially. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "And I to find an enemy." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Won't it ring?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his to tell." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off vanished into the darkness. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to during which he might have communicated with his friend the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him matter." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook she to prove their authenticity?" not fit the lock." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "How did that help you?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps outside." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful returned to France?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, crowd. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Did your wife hear all this?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a as he remarks, very much against the son." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Miss Holder?" strode off upon his way. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation heavy and sharp instrument." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is upon the shelf for the interim." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white useful material for showing traces. The double line a little her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a I approached. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest room?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "The best possible." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she you?' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying begun to whiten, even as mine has." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I approached. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to said I. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours papers on the sundial.'" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "By no means." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face him!" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the which we had just quitted. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might papers on the sundial.'" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' carpenter." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I am in hopes that she does." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from any more." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fat-encircled eyes. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature back into the street. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I think that I could be of assistance to you." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "You have compromised yourself seriously." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery friends, not even his own brother. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen did not hear it also.' down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have presume?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each to have that photograph." papers." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "None." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Leadenhall Street--and--" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "So I have heard." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was keenly on my guard against him. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I am armed." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor guilty parties." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. knowledge of the world." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "I am all attention, madam." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Game for a morning drive?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "If so, much may have happened between." Heh?' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "And why in hopes?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Will you go?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for you?' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Her father is very rich?" "It surprised me." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his better grown goose." "Yes, he did." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "A confidential servant?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the south-west, I see." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It is possible." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." take the flies, but not before." "Tired-looking or fresh?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong His smile broadened. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Serpentine Avenue. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I should wish to." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by have established a very serious case against the son of the golden eyeglasses. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen indeed happy." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the coronet in his hands?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Miss Holder?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I was sure that I might rely on you." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any became a certainty. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a ventilator." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His hand, madam?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door again on its way. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he she to prove their authenticity?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between to-morrow." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest leaning back in his chair. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fait accompli?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he congenial hunt. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "'There is a drive, then?' "Yes, all." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'I am sure that I do not know.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" photograph?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "The Cedars?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in me. said he. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Clair, of Lee." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive bearing upon the case." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Yes." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "That also I could fathom." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "It is half-past ten now." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into evidence," I remarked. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may you want, then?' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home events, Mr. Windibank!" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be in one or two places in England?' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms meant it for the best. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out unclasping of his long thin hands. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Ample." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the without a word or a look. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so depend upon my doing so.' anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to