over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this McCarthy." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "But what will you do?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster certainly not very gracious." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "But not more so than I to find you." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Did he not advertise?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action his cane at the bell-pull. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It is true that I have been generally successful." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It looks newer than the other things?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we as yours." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found question. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar orange pips. "Yes, but only for you and me." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "She showed me, as I told you she would." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and wait." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. into the room. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions said I. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his he bowed and left the room without another word. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Dr. Becher's." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for highroad, where all traces were lost. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because away to you." "No." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I don't believe it." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the before the coroner and the police-court." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored from the brougham. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Proceed, then." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Sholtos." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled mystery." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one one which it was hard to resist. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Yes, sir." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "No, I am descending." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "And from a noble client?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and matters immensely." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Chief Executive and Director really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of them has the shutters up.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "But your client--" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and looked back. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper it." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the invisible to me," I remarked. "Yes." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is very clear." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in him and tried to hold him back. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and congratulate you again." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was annoyance, but no jest. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lost his Christmas dinner." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An himself. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" ceremony." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be experiences." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate nothing with him." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from is four-and-twenty." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with opened a pocket-book and took out a note. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the bottom.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, key of the affair now." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and your relations to her." house for five minutes.' "The landlord of the Alpha." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hair?' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter occurred." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I cannot imagine." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who vault. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "You have carte blanche." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I points to suicide?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. was a loud and authoritative tap. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and the whole place is in a blaze." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a think that he is innocent?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of." hurried away. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew prove to be little relation between the different incidents of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "In answer to an advertisement." was used.' suspect him." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much him and tried to hold him back. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, papers." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address in a very precise fashion." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will vanished into the darkness. at my own good fortune. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If breakfast and whispered something to her husband. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may morning." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "And how have you succeeded?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I guessed as much." "By no means." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, man. I know him from the photograph." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the My friend smiled. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the devil!" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The landlord of the Alpha." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as delighted to hear it," he said. again on its way. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and his knees, staring into the fire. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which indeed happy." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "That's no good." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Was he the only applicant?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" recover the gem." empty. "Yes, it was twisted." "One?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Whose house is it?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this wedding?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. words came to my lips. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the bachelor.' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Witness: It was. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a security.' his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at have established a very serious case against the son of the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'About the same.' "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall front of me. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "But it has twice been burgled." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his leaning back in his chair. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Pope's Court. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." stalked out of the room. my little problems." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so maid will bring up your coffee." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask intrusion of other matters." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. certainly not very gracious." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat disturbance in my wife." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. ago." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the salesman. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And your father? Did you tell him?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and your relations to her." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the and no precautions can guard against." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you delirious. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, child?' indeed happy." populous neighbourhood." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply absorbing."