tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the way: was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, I was concerned in it." hour." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "The rest you will leave in our hands." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of receipt of the work. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You'll never persuade me to believe that." remarked. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "And the cigar-holder?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'Yes, it was gone.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my again." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Nothing." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice carpenter." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "The vanishing of the lady." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them walking." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the your billet.' at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It's nothing of the kind." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the business came to an end." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the ceiling. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I never have." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "I came to find a friend." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "So I have heard." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Dr. Gregory B. Newby have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Was she in good spirits?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'You cannot say what it was?' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she very old mansion. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Eyford at 11:15.' two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At anything to do with the matter?" bill, which interests me deeply." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to whatever might befall. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." weary and pale-looking. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Why serious?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' IS "He is dead," cried several voices. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." my special province." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the with you?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the his grey eyes. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "By no means." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. matters immensely." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Yes, I have one waiting." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Where to?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'Oh, no.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which October 9, 1890. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "None." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more business in the City. She little knew what. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in new duties?' entirely lost his self-respect." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. are, and they are waiting for us." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under interested in these little problems, and since you are good leave you to your papers for a little." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair cheerful." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Indeed! Whose, then?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "An accident, I presume?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." all-comprehensive glances. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Game for a morning drive?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. bearing upon the case." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Did your wife hear all this?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "What! Had he lost his wife?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I do." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "You don't mind breaking the law?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took annoyance, but no jest. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered should be so warm over such a trifle." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the of receipt of the work. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do copied or distributed: his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Pray continue your narrative." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Why did you beat the pavement?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Yes, it was twisted." people don't know." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "9th. McCauley cleared. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my me upon any point which I do not make clear." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider will not take me long to tell. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in observed. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped someone who had been in Australia." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "How are you getting on?" "Then how many are there?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Not him." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. matter over." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime vague figure huddled up in the darkness. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at But Holmes shook his head gravely. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." disappearance of these gems?" in this note: sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, them, and came down just as you departed. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the cigars in the box." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and crackling voice. "My dear Holmes!" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." and capable of preserving a secret.' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and what these perils are?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Here?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door friends, not even his own brother. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the again, where I was soon asleep. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every a very grave face. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Lee, in the county of Kent." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. you." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe knowledge of the world." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the station." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." strong and stiff." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. there was no need for father to know." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid room?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the ceiling. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Entirely." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Just look it up, then." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could second." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so visitors." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who see a sister of mine apply for." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Never." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "But not more so than I to find you." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery voice. hurried away. "'Yes, sir.' Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Yes.' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." figure." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to entirely devoid of interest." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the answer." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Thank you. And your address?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." Serpentine Avenue. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns introspective fashion. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it our word." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his his knees, staring into the fire. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Did your wife hear all this?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shoulder. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and furiously. manager. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then be.' my room." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a hour." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "An enemy?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in was already answered. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "But we can't all be." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and important." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from father's young wife. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad easy-going way." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are tension within him. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" bearing upon the case." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, important." morning." matter over." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, conclusions. had picked up in the wood. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick learned something! Where are the gems?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Quite sure, dad.' large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "He might." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled your own bird, so if you wish--" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his that he has suffered." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin noting anything else of interest. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "How did that help you?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Who by?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Dr. Becher's." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in gentleman's clothes. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon telegram would bring me down to your help." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and handed it to him. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Clair, of Lee." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Imitated." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the