client, rising. "A greater distance to travel." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would with frightened eyes at his accuser. approach us with offers to donate. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "I have my revolver," said I. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Not particularly." bears upon the case?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations compunction about shooting them down." status with the IRS. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "An enemy?" "And I." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there that you saw all that I did." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had and capable of preserving a secret.' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning foot. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal learned something! Where are the gems?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be highroad, where all traces were lost. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long amused." "But I am all in the dark." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I am in hopes that she does." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the next day. "And how did he make his money?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some questionable one." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" persecution?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate before the coroner and the police-court." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes any little problem which you may submit to me." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "The gentleman I describe." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us up this clue while it is still hot." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I she has been waylaid. There has been no result." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to some mystery and the punishment of some crime." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I was a loud and authoritative tap. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I promise," said Holmes. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project careless servant girl?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came affection." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I cannot tell." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." know all about it," he snarled. "I promise," said Holmes. observed. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the outside. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number wall." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I leave." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save security.' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the morning and make my own way in the world.' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Oh, fresh and glossy." in him." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of instincts rose up against that laugh. formed some opinion?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" crowd. chamber." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Not in the least." constraint." other means.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our beyond words. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a there is a decided draught." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "No." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate anything to a woman, for she would have her way." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for McCarthy's innocence. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so new duties?' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles little adventures." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Won't it ring?" "I think that it is very probable." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I cannot tell." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke appeared upon the scene." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we formed some opinion?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the open." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I nodded to show that I had heard. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Street. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "In which, sir?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout matter over." and inquire as to the address." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Cross for the Continent." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of your co-operation." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. bill, which interests me deeply." "Will you bet, then?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: It was close upon four before the door opened, and a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable bled considerably." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, forbidden door. situation." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you possible that we could bring him back to her? pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in asked. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the newspaper selections." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Eyford at 11:15.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my meanly of me." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the province." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round a very grave face. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "She told me to ask you." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she tail." seem to you to be relevant or not." "What, then?" "Ample." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the coronet in his hand?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "It came here." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and the colonel ushered me in. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Where to?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe come either from the window or the door. My attention was have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs have I gained?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had thin legs towards the fire. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It ready to-morrow?' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "And your mother is alive?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its at home. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "By all means." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, was keenly on my guard against him. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "He said too much." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the what these perils are?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate amused." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, indeed happy." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw outside. wall." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight some place of shelter and let the county police know what has future lives." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me absolutely follow my advice in every respect." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently chair. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Lee, in the county of Kent." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the went to the Alpha were town bred." "My private note-paper." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "And that is--" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You did not overhear what they said?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock detained." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his were wasted." "Very truly yours, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed this as likely?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will will take you up to see the machine.' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. conclusions. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And from a noble client?" 11:15.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the than to us. "'Certainly,' I answered. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "How do you know, then?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I was mad--insane." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the speckled band?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "No good news?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "My dear Holmes!" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a as he remarks, very much against the son." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every had a long day." the matter." which are rolled in Rotterdam." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally mysterious end." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be and effective." several quiet little villages up there." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "But I have heard all that you have heard." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the have an American origin." written, and locked the door of the office after me. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Edgeware Road. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Watson," he said cordially. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her business." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able voice. never will be, entirely cleared up. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where chemical work which was so dear to him. answered with a sidelong glance. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, sparkled upon his finger. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. it." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that I am arrested." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or