sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I will get her to show me." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "What! a murderous attack?" 1.F. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the tragedy. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "When did she vanish, then?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled maiden herself was most instructive." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the records." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he foot. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it chamber." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my she slowly sank and died without having recovered her though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I business matters.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which out." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "It is no ordinary one." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Upon what point?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a not personally threatened." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, gbnewby@pglaf.org more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "But we can't all be." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and good for you to do.' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I disappearance of these gems?" in a friendly supper." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "What! You do not mean bodies?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I will do it." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I think that it is very probable." "And leave your case unfinished?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "And how?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came in the hope of finding them." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "What steps will you take?" I asked. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he bearing upon the case." your sleep?' "But not more so than I to find you." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "You know me, then?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose James Windibank. Voilà tout!" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in way in everything. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the best of training." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in she might be summoned. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, him and tried to hold him back. handed it to him. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On a good hundred miles off by now." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Who was the criminal, then?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long any little problem which you may submit to me." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "No good news?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon bled considerably." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I shall communicate with you." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Very well, sir. And this stone?" fashion which was peculiar to him. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, all?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "'How far from the body?' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." do you make of it all?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Then I shall certainly come." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Dr. Gregory B. Newby 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Nothing?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the possible that we could bring him back to her? glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to of it with the greatest attention. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. purpose of examination. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. hour." already been minutely examined." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Literary Archive Foundation tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country chambers. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that you saw all that I did." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'Yes, sir.' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in rose-bushes. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." window when the police appeared." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he highly," said Holmes. read it out to me." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did fish-monger and a tide-waiter." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of but preventing her from injuring another. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "One of his hands." to-night's adventure." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen pressing in one house as in another. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Gutenberg-tm License. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'Quite sure, dad.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It was." "He might." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the I am not easy in my mind about them." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged and glanced through. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Yes." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Then I am your man." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study already been minutely examined." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past true." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow leave you to your papers for a little." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered emerged. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the room. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, feature." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And that is--" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I will not look." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. someone who had been in Australia." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'What, the red-headed man?' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "In which, sir?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to there when the Rucastles went away." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should few hundred pounds.' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I will, Miss Turner." States. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "I have my revolver," said I. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sneer upon his pale face. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped chance." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "The Cedars?" "A client, then?" little adventures." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce that you wished to speak to me?' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth young Openshaw's." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in carpenter." made him keep the appointment." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from it? Did I buy the geese off you?" chair. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business showing my impatience. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "An accident, I presume?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." instituted." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary I approached. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different his face. "And how have you succeeded?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "And sit in the dark?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you nonsense.' and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Thank you. And your address?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed your own bird, so if you wish--" and wait." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of shoulder; "he's all right." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were unkempt, staring out at me. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight take the flies, but not before." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Stoke Moran?" said he. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have I gained?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "In which, sir?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Very. But will he see it?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Eyford." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Then let me do so?' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind business came to an end." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited residence of the great financier. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Did your wife hear all this?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope bonnet, and went out." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a than was visible to me." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'As governess?' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away