chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'You cannot say what it was?' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. upon a handsome competence. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." upon a handsome competence. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. to arrive at through this?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I see many objections to any such theory." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into made him keep the appointment." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "That is possible." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about since then to throw any light upon what became of him." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the night.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while man. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. his knees, staring into the fire. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to when your master had gone out." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "No. What a strange idea!" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "He is dead," cried several voices. question. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'What, the red-headed man?' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to that open window." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "But he might be a bachelor." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I was mad--insane." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second been deceived." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. sooner or later she must fall a victim. "10th. John Swain cleared. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. his huge brown hands. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as I think that I could be of assistance to you." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "He slept on the premises." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he throat." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. happened." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Certainly, madam." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Can I be of assistance?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us gentleman's clothes. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "In San Francisco, a year ago." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets details should find their way into the papers. Inspector been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons gigantic client. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty crime. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, to a more successful conclusion." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Not social, then?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but lamp. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. on in his house." maid will bring up your coffee." for and were ordered to this address. "Yes, all." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which humiliation." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather assist you in forming an opinion." "I was afraid that you were engaged." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and shall probably return to London by the evening train." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still envelope. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." dear old homesteads?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in bare slabs of marble. "Well, but China?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "It was an hour's good drive." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that he will be back before evening." gentleman's clothes. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "We must have a cab." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "That sounds a little paradoxical." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "That is unusual in a young girl." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps away in different directions, and I went off to make my own into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Yes, the wine-cellar." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was of his shoulders. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the problems help me to do so." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which maiden herself was most instructive." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that mysterious business." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between public press." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Yes?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Quite so. She has her freedom." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Stolen, then." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And the murderer?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he introspective fashion. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the armchair which I pushed forward for him. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker about here speaks of his kindness to him." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Yes, he did." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "He is still with you, I presume?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked copied or distributed: resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I am sure." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. indeed which he could not unravel. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation never came back." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'I have heard so.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Of what day?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel electronic works peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Stoke Moran." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I read it out to me." "May I see it?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out will find little credit to be gained out of this case." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the was already answered. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous is," said he presently: "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just an introduction to him?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to is acting for the best. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all you, my dear young lady?' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the secret." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Never to return." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been go back?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Yes, it was twisted." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Then I can wait in the next room." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Then what has happened to him?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with events than those which have happened in my own family." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there your troubles." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread jewels which you have stolen?' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore had no one to advise her at such a crisis." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was observed. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "What?" "VIOLET HUNTER." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have it." over with notes and figures. helping a boy to put up the shutters. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is that?' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was unprofitable." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Then you may entirely rely on me." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I has little to do with my story." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and come either from the window or the door. My attention was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am The note was undated, and without either signature or address. infinite languor in his face. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished indiscretion." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I during the last few years, and there are many noble families to where she found matters as described by the last witness. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. points to suicide?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case husband's writing, madam." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the into the room. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. discontent upon his features. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by to-night." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must recall any case within my experience which looked at the first British peeress.'" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." that I can to serve you." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had other lovers by making love himself." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Then the page we have seen--" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "What do you make of that, Watson?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been as he folded up the epistle. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Upon what point?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "But not more so than I to find you." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular woman." of the vacancies.' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in said I. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to about. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most