taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right weapon." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hands. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to that I can to serve you." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is within hail.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." people don't know." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "The gentleman I describe." which our visitor detailed to us. of." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, overpowering excitement and concern. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "They are typewritten," I remarked. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" companion quietly. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Indeed! Whose, then?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, guilty one." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love if only as a check to my own memory." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, upon the white wrist. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really think you a quite exceptional woman." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'I have already given you my word.' agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and a good hundred miles off by now." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to a very grave face. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'What then?' I asked. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "One of the highest in England." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by forbidden door. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his you." the very morning of the wedding." "And did you observe any change in her then?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I am following you closely," I answered. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been in a friendly supper." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and all of them with the keenest interest. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You think that he is dead?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." presume?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "That is not always so easy." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Then, how do you know?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue persecution?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," little adventures." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a his knees, staring into the fire. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he gives a meaning to it." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, do you make of it all?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "And you don't know his address?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and outsides of the windows. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by detective. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I am in hopes that she does." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "No, finished." "Yes." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." ready to-morrow?' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole page at http://pglaf.org story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The decline of his fortunes, then?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "The murder was done with it." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom things are very often connected not with the larger but with the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And for present expenses?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Sutherland?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, what I may call a really hard day's work." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Serpentine Avenue. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'Why that?' I asks. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Oh, yes, easily." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You think so, too?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on gone. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "But his lameness?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to meant." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "You were travelling in the States?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" public press." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Did your wife hear all this?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "You have carte blanche." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "How did that help you?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "I do." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'Yes.' "I should be immensely obliged to you." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the roots. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I whether it answered to the description of any of their he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "That is it on the dressing-table." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not front of the hall door has given its name to the place. speckled band?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, be.' congratulate you again." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your face and glided from the room. grasp, he hurried from the room. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of fatally injured? downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the to affect your life." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of mysterious end." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of to take care of herself." when you have done it." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "My last client of the sort was a king." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his as the one I chose?' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the approach us with offers to donate. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works bore every mark of being an average commonplace British imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to Leatherhead. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'Certainly not.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual that I may have something better before very many minutes are the nursery. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Oh, no.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. away into the river." for securing the situation." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the stones. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sound at heart." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove promised to bring home. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly I have it here in my museum." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how could go. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." gentleman's clothes. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "What can you not understand?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round held up the lantern and gazed about him. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and views." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "When did it break out?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite from the brougham. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The room had already been engaged for us. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally straightened it out again. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." stalked out of the room. upon the white wrist. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open appointment with me for six o'clock?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is The note was undated, and without either signature or address. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." done what I asked you, Jones?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he you understand?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I chair. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Gutenberg-tm License. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I would give my fortune to have them back." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker might help us?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William lost his Christmas dinner." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he taking in every detail of the apartment. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a suddenly upon us." started for the Temple to see my husband. "It must be recovered." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, detective. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Seven!" I answered. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he to a light-house. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Have you good authority for what you say?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." look dissatisfied." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said he. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale,