"Yes." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "But he might be a bachelor." "And it is--" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me compunction about shooting them down." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too said he. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a see me here to avoid scandal." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), your equipment. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I answered that I had not. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Very. But will he see it?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four province." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "When did it break out?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" never to learn it at all." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end tassel actually lying upon the pillow. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the salesman. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in dead, shall be safe with us." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich other means.' taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or respectable self." everything which you would wish to know." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I happened." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: help us in this matter." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the together. copied or distributed: hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, are windows in it, of course?" have not had my rubber." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at your most interesting statement." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The rest you will leave in our hands." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I will not look." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Yes, I have one waiting." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old of this gang." nice household for a young lady." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's that I can to serve you." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional is so. I know all about McCarthy." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and despair." constraint." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I was sure that I might rely on you." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst outside. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and strong and stiff." spare." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." hair?' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been was a perfect sample of the class. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. feature." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging if only as a check to my own memory." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "But his left-handedness." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the tell me that you intended to go into harness." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that husband's writing, madam." wanted for ourselves." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the morning and make my own way in the world.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a became a certainty. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I constraint." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Precisely." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress main points of my analysis." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "And when will you call?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "There is the writing." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is colonel looking down at me. 1.F. "Ha! you find it so?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to change my dress. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Young McCarthy must be got off, however." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the both be extremely obliged.' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Was there a secret marriage?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the little opening for the ventilator is." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I cannot imagine." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "How did you deduce the select?" "I am to be neutral?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "No, but the enclosure is." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional have not had my rubber." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. in the dead of the night?' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" begun to whiten, even as mine has." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was cost them two and thirty pounds." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a me. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will important." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." crackling voice. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was hurried by. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "How did you trace it, then?" "Certainly, madam." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you second." undoubtedly my uncle's." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and it." very old mansion. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "You will not go there first?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a his forehead." I nodded to show that I had heard. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just troubles have been weighing upon his mind. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked information in his hands the value of which he did not himself child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, individual and becomes the badge of a society." case-book, which he consulted. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little tension within him. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the roots. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the best of training." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left husband's writing, madam." "By no means." me where it went to?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some any." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. only touch the interest." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Of what day?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no telegram would bring me down to your help." train.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You have the photograph?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of your sleep?' clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Then how many are there?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the tragedy. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a during that time.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is results." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both lamp in his hand. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes rather sternly. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole woman." "'As governess?' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very could not account in any way for the presence of the missing examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of strode off upon his way. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "On Monday." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Absolutely?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "You are certainly joking, Holmes." acted in my house last night?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting standing smiling on the door-step. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Very well, sir. And this stone?" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else whole matter to your consideration." "What! a murderous attack?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I congratulate you again." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "My opinion is in no way altered." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the warnings." "And how in the world did you find them?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault with you?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "This photograph!" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every yards of it?' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California me have 200 pounds?' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For bled considerably." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but could gather together that I was able to avert another public completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. for securing the situation." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had clanging. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the very morning of the wedding." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the