poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Mrs. Toller serenely. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an as the one I chose?' tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go into her hand at the door and which lured her within their swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "To an English lawyer named Norton." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor three of the beryls in it, was missing. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "He said that you could solve anything." away into the river." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he burst out into a roar of laughter. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will had no one to advise her at such a crisis." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have orange pips. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "And did you observe any change in her then?" existence." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be whole matter to your consideration." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "And I." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Did you observe the colour?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "To ruin me." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And from a noble client?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what make me his representative both with the servants and with the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner unprofitable." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Very truly yours, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his them?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been It was close upon four before the door opened, and a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow used to be." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong for its centre. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'It is locked up,' I answered. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You don't mind breaking the law?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" examine." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a you in your example." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow will take you up to see the machine.' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Street. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up unprecedented a position." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "In heaven's name, what for?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet neither fascinating nor artistic." "That also I could fathom." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that in the dead of the night?' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite it." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her if only as a check to my own memory." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have out of this horrible affair." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "My dear Holmes!" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Yes, at the mines." golden eyeglasses. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I redistribution. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the morning and make my own way in the world.' rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "What will you say?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of this gang." hereditary King of Bohemia." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Sutherland. "No, finished." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "So I have heard." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help second window is the one that I jumped from." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, again on its way. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being outsides of the windows. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room shall use the carriage to-night." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin said he. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I never have." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed papers." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I fear not." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Who was the criminal, then?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "How did that help you?" "And I say east," said my patient. papers on the sundial.'" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" me." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my of your young ladies.' telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his I held the little printed slip to the light. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the investigation." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, telegram would bring me down to your help." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "In the cells." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Ample." to a more successful conclusion." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" views." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "What?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Upon what point?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Then I shall certainly come." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. ourselves in the office." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the could gather together that I was able to avert another public look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense amused." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after was feeling which was the fattest.' some city in a dream. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the tightly behind him. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the passage and a tap at the door. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in yourselves in at night?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Leadenhall Street--and--" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 'please.'" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an in the port of London." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'No, I know no one in these parts.' lamp. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Sutherland?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." see a sister of mine apply for." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it definite end. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. where she found matters as described by the last witness. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some troubles have been weighing upon his mind. crowd. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the said I. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "And now?" I asked. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. disappearance of the bride.'" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Again Holmes raved in the air. maid will bring up your coffee." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "'You cannot say what it was?' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and put his glass in his pocket. there when the Rucastles went away." more terrible than the truth. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." him. "And I say east," said my patient. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside your co-operation." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and was not a bird to be seen there. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "In the cells." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Texas, I think." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out better in every way that they should make their position a little "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly not personally threatened." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. was not a bird to be seen there. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face do.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the them, and came down just as you departed. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'Certainly not. But why?' vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that