appeared upon the scene." "And for present expenses?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and States. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work records." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You brandy and water within his reach. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, lamp. wedding?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was man. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should prison!" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my man. I know him from the photograph." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled writers could invent nothing more crude." are, and they are waiting for us." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I am armed." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our constraint." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. bled considerably." depend upon my doing so.' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord kind enough to tell me what I should do." Serpentine Avenue. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of directors, with the result that you have seen." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the were wasted." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and direction." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, morning." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "A call for help, you thought?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." indiscretion." business at Coburg Square is serious." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his hurried away. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has The events in question occurred in the early days of my sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email has little to do with my story." "I am still in the dark." desk. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Who was the criminal, then?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he helping a boy to put up the shutters. just called myself is not exactly my own." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "One of his hands." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set definite end. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss that, and I came down." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "You will not go there first?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the coronet in his hand?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here read it out to me." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now you give your casting vote to?" back into the street. breakfast." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. said he. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I am following you closely," I answered. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "It is true that I have been generally successful." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "You don't mind breaking the law?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "What steps will you take?" I asked. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "But how?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three to me. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Quite sure, dad.' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid writing, and yet I know it well." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "It looks newer than the other things?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "It was an hour's good drive." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella success. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to then?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'Stolen!' he cried. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Never.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone himself to tell his story. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of something of him before." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' words came to my lips. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a think that any burglar could have done. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "She will not sell." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too business." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the Red-headed League." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even yet." "Yes." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf south, for the country is more deserted there." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "A thing like a cleaver," said he. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain nonsense.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent were new raised from a basin. go back?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence III. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in my life." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." key turn in the lock." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Munro.' to-night?" I asked. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Do you receive much company?" he asked. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," see a sister of mine apply for." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have had none more fantastic than this." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they not, dad?" she asked. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." had this final quarrel? "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "But how?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Dirty?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the ceiling. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "I answered that I had not. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to forecastle of an emigrant ship. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to before, for it was considerably after midnight. the salesman. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while wanted for ourselves." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had I am not easy in my mind about them." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was for the market.' "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, rat could hardly pass through." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Where, indeed?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A so.' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. depend upon my doing so.' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes." "How about poison?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Yes, but only for you and me." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. shoulder; "he's all right." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in did not hear it also.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Surrey." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and that he would see to anything that turned up. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Henry Baker is a member." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, upon the sideboard." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary dates and names. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "My dear Holmes!" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Henry Baker is a member." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own all-comprehensive glances. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies least a most suspicious remark." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Not in the least." "Yes, sir." read over the extraordinary announcement. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest her also." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know of your young ladies.' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "The landlord of the Alpha." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was right! Sit down and let us talk it over." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in annoyance, but no jest. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very me." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, My friend smiled. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, people don't know." so.' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue lost nothing by them." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Not him." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. think that any burglar could have done. instincts rose up against that laugh. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Of what?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to-night?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to you found me to-night--and running through the front room she as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable call for protection in the marriage market, for the present sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a