such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran nice household for a young lady." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the armchair which I pushed forward for him. that you wished to speak to me?' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Have you good authority for what you say?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "From his hat?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "What I expected to see." affair. sooner or later she must fall a victim. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his bearing upon the case." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to public press." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of highroad, where all traces were lost. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "A client, then?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us help us in this matter." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Murdered?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' bears upon the case?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. as noiselessly as she had come. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of invisible to me," I remarked. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "My Mary? Impossible!" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "He might." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I think it very unlikely." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more directly by questioning you." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "In heaven's name, what for?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." galvanised. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his chill to my heart. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One observed. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the outbreak?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Certainly." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss became a certainty. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the tragedy. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and His smile broadened. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. be there in time for your coming." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "That is possible." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Yes." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some affair. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from spare." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "What, then, did Peterson do?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And leave your case unfinished?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be said I. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs rose-bushes. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was in a very precise fashion." "And help." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Just look it up, then." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography indeed happy." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester mysterious business." as yours." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "It is a murder, then?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, chambers. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Very much so." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted geese which you supplied to the Alpha." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is enter into my head. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the where she found matters as described by the last witness. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs some place of shelter and let the county police know what has all that?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and I took the paper from him and read as follows: "And how in the world did you find them?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Have you it here?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through experiences." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been I shall continue with my miserable story. "And now?" I asked. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. must compliment you." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." carriage. It was a chestnut." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate charged with?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "That sounds a little paradoxical." to-night." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together so.' me where it went to?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the them?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a McCarthy." "From his hat?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both ran thus: instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I am all attention, madam." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered strode off upon his way. pound a week." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' nice household for a young lady." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I will try. What is it?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her pressing in one house as in another. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. seen the man in the road." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was waste of energy." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort when you have done it." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "The landlord of the Alpha." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons ways of our fellow-men." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on his eyes and forehead. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And that is--" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and laid it on the table. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "How are you getting on?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he be best to do. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Miss Holder?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the any little problem which you may submit to me." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous highroad, where all traces were lost. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Yes, that is the Crown." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I have solved it." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the dangers which encompass me." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT details." writer." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "What, then, did Peterson do?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow imbecility!" he cried. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate call it cruel." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'No, I know no one in these parts.' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your the running down." do you make of it all?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the what I may call a really hard day's work." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you gbnewby@pglaf.org this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and like that before?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Yes, certainly." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it signal between you and your father? long narrative. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Holmes, the busybody!" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, pierced for earrings?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I think it very unlikely." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I cannot think." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." in a friendly supper." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Yes, only one." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' It may be so in this case, also." "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the bottom.' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his both be extremely obliged.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Frequently." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his here." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" sofa. This way, please!" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Street. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "It is possible." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke on re-entering her father's house?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted you." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. returning from some small jollification and was making his way Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You have a clue?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on three of the beryls in it, was missing. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "That's no good." "To an end?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the second window is the one that I jumped from." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the morning and make my own way in the world.' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "He might." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had