'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Quite so." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Do you know him?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Which are?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Then I shall certainly come." "'What then?' I asked. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "BALLARAT." "I have solved it." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in his eyes and forehead. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "That also I could fathom." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear green of the new foliage. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the his grey eyes. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The with you?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself bell. Holmes whistled. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the a very grave face. a very grave face. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" recover the gem." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "In heaven's name, what for?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a chance." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "You saw the ventilator, too?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and or other trace. But how on earth--" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "But what harm can there be in that?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "And I say east," said my patient. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his fortune, and I went back to pa. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His I have it here in my museum." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over himself in a perplexing position. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I promise," said Holmes. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly nonsense.' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have But Holmes shook his head gravely. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Indeed! Whose, then?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Never." that you saw all that I did." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very me what he had done with the three missing stones. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "That sounds a little paradoxical." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a companion. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as one else, I think." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of I shall continue with my miserable story. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in of a light. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the warnings." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "How about poison?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. lectures into a series of tales." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I have hopes." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "It surprised me." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. when you have done it." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting system of imprisonment?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a upon a handsome competence. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and heavy and sharp instrument." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. is a common subject for conversation. fact, we may call it conclusive." helping a boy to put up the shutters. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I am in hopes that she does." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk floor. distinguish the words: possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall notes," he said. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in your billet.' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Dr. Gregory B. Newby been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora chill to my heart. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very cost them two and thirty pounds." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five some city in a dream. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts correct than the official force." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Yes, at the mines." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps weary and pale-looking. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. fled together." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "You have a clue?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" within hail.' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Now, then, what's the last entry?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the him. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'Ample.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking out." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, tear off another piece?' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Sutherland. everything which you would wish to know." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet trying to your nerves." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I took the paper from him and read as follows: crowd. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of some city in a dream. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Where does the thing come from?' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He village inn over there?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' McCarthy." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back morning." it were putty." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Leadenhall Street--and--" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of for its centre. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately best detective that ever lived. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "You have compromised yourself seriously." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming foot. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have now. It seems that there had been some informality about their distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his face and glided from the room. name is different." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "An enemy?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of chance." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think washing it down with a long draught of water. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. chamber." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sufficient punishment." signal between you and your father? "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go jewels which you have stolen?' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and glanced through. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "But your client--" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official conclusions. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of absolutely follow my advice in every respect." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform said I. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you his knees, staring into the fire. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight said I. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "And your mother is alive?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white lectures into a series of tales." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "The gentleman I describe." young Openshaw's." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a served to weaken the effect. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "If I can be of use." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I see many objections to any such theory." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and your relations to her." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable read it out to me." and looked back. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and wait." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Ample." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my said he. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. you give your casting vote to?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save system of imprisonment?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means way: dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very gives a meaning to it." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, presented more singular features than that which was associated found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could writers could invent nothing more crude." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method hard-headed British jury." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a sneer upon his pale face. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It is half-past ten now." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." what do you think they found in the pockets?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Was there a secret marriage?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us money should be paid at once.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about