"That you are never beaten." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "By all means." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the back to my heart. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." to-night's adventure." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. me have 200 pounds?' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under fluttered off among the others. would then never go into court at all." call it cruel." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And how have you succeeded?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled up this clue while it is still hot." washing it down with a long draught of water. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "In which, sir?" my secret was safe in his possession. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to together. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt purpose equally well?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "No." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day time." she to prove their authenticity?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get all that?" everything which you would wish to know." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client morning." "I have hopes." the matter?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been bears upon the case?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Farm upon the left." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all about here speaks of his kindness to him." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he skylight. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a straighten it?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one shall not find me ungrateful." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies how narrow had been my escape. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Never to return." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on tapping his fingers upon the table. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You forget that I know nothing about it." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible of his shoulders. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right is four-and-twenty." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I don't believe it." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Absolutely none." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the felt?" and all of them with the keenest interest. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not could go. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Stolen." my secret was safe in his possession. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "No?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are himself in a perplexing position. "If so, much may have happened between." "What are they?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "But I am all in the dark." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hopeless attempt at recovering them." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had him to go away.' the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge about here speaks of his kindness to him." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, father's young wife. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot occurred." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the night.' In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled south, for the country is more deserted there." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to be. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. money should be paid at once.' "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a will not take me long to tell. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'I am sure that I do not know.' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I emerged. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and my former friend and companion. "Has he come with you to-night?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. said I. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Stoke Moran." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she writing, and yet I know it well." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her eat it." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of morning." this unhappy family?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The with you alone." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable III. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of constraint." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair meant." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "It came here." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, figure." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried my little problems." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss grasp, he hurried from the room. three of the beryls in it, was missing. breakfast?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the Red-headed League." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he eat it." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'And the work?' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone morning." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. lectures into a series of tales." "Pray let us have it, for all that." past. "I don't say that. Perhaps." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the from you?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange companion imperturbably. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream ourselves in the office." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, is acting for the best. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most note?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which national property. I was determined that the law should have its delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got affection." "What! You do not mean bodies?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is companion. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two ceremony." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Pool. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Is he quiet?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Thank you. And your address?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And for present expenses?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Oh, yes, easily." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "He might." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy that I may have something better before very many minutes are reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I say it is." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "But his left-handedness." and all of them with the keenest interest. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "At what time?" whatever might befall. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an train.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country companion quietly. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was three fields round his house, and there he would take his "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for is four-and-twenty." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. deduce something from that?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, late." Chief Executive and Director "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the conceal it?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Will you bet, then?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "And is that all?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose one's self under obligations.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Nearly eleven." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Never." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "And what did you learn from him?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "A client, then?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My own seal." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or this truth that in these little records of our cases which you have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "No, I think that I'll take it." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what congratulate you again." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of was used.' "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and no precautions can guard against." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and the colonel ushered me in. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked delighted to hear it," he said. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his that the gas is not laid on in his house?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was pound a week." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of Fenchurch Street." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "No, I am descending." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "It is possible." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Yes." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you mystery may be cleared along those lines." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a it." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he