"Not in the least." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety upon the shelf for the interim." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Certainly." "Witness: I must still refuse. "Nothing." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the once more to my work. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "My dear Holmes!" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "How about poison?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the been with you?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told father's place of business?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Won't it ring?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing footfalls from the street. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the might have a private word with us. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The really the only notable feature about the thing." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent meant it for the best. "'I shall certainly be there.' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "My dear Holmes!" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I my former friend and companion. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong note?" late." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "It is very kind of you." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only this as likely?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away round and wave him away like that.' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting made his money." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United meant it for the best. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I think that it is very probable." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some it." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the coronet in his hands?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are IS smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at furiously. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure village inn over there?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." bell. Holmes whistled. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its and have this put in the evening papers." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your his fortune, and I went back to pa. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, hard-headed British jury." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I should be immensely obliged to you." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. enough to aid us in our search." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in were unconscious?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of fine shops and stately business premises that they really must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you arrested. You then--" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at appointment with me for six o'clock?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Why, what do you mean?" man. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant weigh very heavily upon my conscience." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES brought there to personate someone, and the real person is status with the IRS. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no jewels which you have stolen?' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house will be renamed. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hopeless attempt at recovering them." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we were new raised from a basin. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. invisible to me," I remarked. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point depend upon your compliance." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round have had none more fantastic than this." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I should like to see him very much." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I promise," said Holmes. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally of Fenchurch Street." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled there when the Rucastles went away." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to-night's adventure." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "What then?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Proceed, then." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through been anything against him. He had for years been known as a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was thin legs towards the fire. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Cross for the Continent." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Not in the least." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Sutherland?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'And the work?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was a lad." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his forebodings. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his which was all perfectly true. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, about. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "You did not overhear what they said?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project your billet.' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of think you a quite exceptional woman." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "But how did you gain them?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress hurried away. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you for a few hours?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." it right.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without least a most suspicious remark." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks peculiar to him. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the residence of the great financier. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he had no one to advise her at such a crisis." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the window, rose as we entered. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the so-precious time, but come!' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I have my revolver," said I. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my villagers almost as much as their master. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** directly by questioning you." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't as yours." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in side. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. John Swain, of St. Augustine. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "He said that you could solve anything." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and through." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "At half-wages, in fact." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Really! You surprise me." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'You doubt its value?' he asked. But Holmes shook his head gravely. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the one else, I think." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "You are certainly joking, Holmes." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their upon a handsome competence. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the looking up at the numbers of the houses." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing letters?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered touch that coronet?' "Was she in good spirits?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Well, it is a possible supposition." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Yes, I have one waiting." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." detective. charge against him will break down." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "'Ample.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through