without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance him to go away.' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there invisible to me," I remarked. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the delighted to hear it," he said. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon lost nothing by them." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in door?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I http://www.gutenberg.net that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Whose house is it?" Foundation professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police overpowering excitement and concern. taking in every detail of the apartment. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "It is very kind of you." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Of what?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "What can you not understand?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew hair?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days as this. Pray let me have the details." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "My dear Holmes!" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to-night's adventure." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Absolutely?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the works. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling been with you?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very better in every way that they should make their position a little The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of maiden herself was most instructive." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES neither fascinating nor artistic." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed whereabouts. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, thin legs towards the fire. such person." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "VIOLET HUNTER." "Who was the criminal, then?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And how have you succeeded?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point begin with, and I had not got mine yet." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in his hands." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were British peeress.'" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his knees, staring into the fire. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I shall be delighted." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." I was concerned in it." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "So it appears." "How are you getting on?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the written, and locked the door of the office after me. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his any." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for woman who has had her own way to make in the world. galvanised. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go been deceived." "I have seen the police." the bottom.' the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes, that is the Crown." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any nice household for a young lady." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short because she had spent so short a time in this country that she which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Have you her photograph?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a be. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Miss Holder?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." your Highness to the police-station?" appeared upon the scene." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See pierced for earrings?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Look there!" said he. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "It is solved." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of writing, and yet I know it well." been shamefully used." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It is no ordinary one." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It weighed down with some great anxiety. taking in every detail of the apartment. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, spark where all is dark to me." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "You have a clue?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "No good news?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "What is it?" tear off another piece?' shadow pass over his face as I spoke. young Openshaw's." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'And the work?' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into American. Then who could this American be, and why should he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was details." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the during which he might have communicated with his friend the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I do." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" man. I know him from the photograph." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in introspective fashion. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Why serious?" conceal it?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "She told me to ask you." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "'Yes, sir.' before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these is a common subject for conversation. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or such attractions and accomplishments?' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is for the market.' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his your sleep?' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was despaired of." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and laid it on the table. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. had formerly been in part my own. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "That sounds a little paradoxical." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Your French gold?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet guilty parties." distinguish the words: as this. Pray let me have the details." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had off." humiliation." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, will he say when he returns?" views." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a It may be so in this case, also." Have you good authority for what you say?" "I think it very unlikely." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will During two years I have had three consultations and one small called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient to take care of herself." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had new acquaintance to Baker Street. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. here." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "None." like that before?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "You have a clue?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which any." to a light-house. believe that I should never have any practice at all. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day his face. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Quite so. She has her freedom." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project me. You must get home instantly and act." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the people don't know." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Where, indeed?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his experiences." chill to my heart. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. of the vacancies.' a suggestive one." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. pierced for earrings?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'Yes, sir.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me village inn over there?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Very. But will he see it?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. II. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, chance at all." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Oh, yes, easily." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry means taking possession of that which another person has a prior down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an characteristics, but those are the more obvious." acted in my house last night?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and until night should bring an explanation. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Ah!" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You know me, then?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "He said too much." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may just called myself is not exactly my own." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very client, rising. electronic works fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards will not take me long to tell. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I cannot imagine." "Could he throw no light?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And do." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing man. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of