mystery may be cleared along those lines." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to do you make of it all?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the inner apartment." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and capable of preserving a secret.' window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "And who is her maid?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear direction." locked. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers round with crates and massive boxes. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag remarked. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and hurried away. "'Certainly not. But why?' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it papers must be those that are destroyed.' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Your sister is dead, then?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. telegram would bring me down to your help." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "It is solved." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "But what is it you wish?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the coronet in his hand?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or was a lad." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Why did you beat the pavement?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to fatally injured? the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "And how did you find out?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of drove away. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, are, I think, all that we need." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to brandy and water within his reach. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive pity, because in other respects you would really have done very metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a beyond words. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if individual and becomes the badge of a society." Does that suggest anything?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Pray do so." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most his face which made him a very different person to the round, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You don't mind breaking the law?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not he. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, records." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "One?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out a good hundred miles off by now." disappearance of these gems?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. lips." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, at the mines." directly by questioning you." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "They are typewritten," I remarked. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Perhaps I have." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "10th. John Swain cleared. "No, finished." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, was a lad." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. place of silver." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at through." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of had no one to advise her at such a crisis." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "On the contrary, this is the right side." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, it were putty." power." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'Is 4 pounds a week.' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "The Cedars?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the house with me." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I at a side door. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," for its centre. I nodded again. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "But what is it you wish?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I see me here to avoid scandal." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill imbecility!" he cried. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the father's place of business?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that His smile broadened. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I see many objections to any such theory." signal between you and your father? past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided felt the room to be a little close.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and said he at last. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "And when will you call?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, never to learn it at all." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was as he folded up the epistle. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." better in every way that they should make their position a little long narrative. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my may have an influence upon European history." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That in darkness. me where it went to?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "How often?" corner of the building. hands. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as way: floor. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was it." "When did she vanish, then?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." unclasping of his long thin hands. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Very truly yours, the night.' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the might have a private word with us. "About a month then." and have this put in the evening papers." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long do you make of it all?" character. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and house for five minutes.' I nodded again. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Again Holmes raved in the air. good-night and bustled off upon her way. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp foot. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "He said too much." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "But we can't all be." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since call the police, let the police find what they can.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, footfalls from the street. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You saw the ventilator, too?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment skylight. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "And now?" I asked. "No." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "So I have heard." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Not yet." "Was your sister dressed?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The direction." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in writing, and yet I know it well." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "No sign of it?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of words came to my lips. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Your French gold?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The hand, madam?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him this man was intellectual?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the money should be paid at once.' "Then you may be so with me." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Breckinridge is his name." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to in darkness. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the so-precious time, but come!' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I fear not." or other trace. But how on earth--" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "By all means." made his money." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "It was." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You lost nothing by them." even of instruction." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical examine." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Not social, then?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I would pay ten." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I cannot tell." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "And you can do nothing until then?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found room. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do crackling voice. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should sound at heart." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "10th. John Swain cleared. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "And when will you call?" "Will you bet, then?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the ceiling. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. forbidden door. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been have had none more fantastic than this." of the one which your family is now devouring." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you unkempt, staring out at me. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of his fortune, and I went back to pa. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake that before taking the final step I should like to submit the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out