man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "But you were on a friendly footing?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are mysterious end." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I have my revolver," said I. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "And why?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Oh, no.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The rest you will leave in our hands." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his ceremony." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the armchair which I pushed forward for him. persecution?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, friends, not even his own brother. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "How did he come?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "At the wedding breakfast." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Look there!" said he. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can must compliment you." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "No sign of it?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit you want, then?' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of orange pips. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I see no marks." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The about here speaks of his kindness to him." seem to you to be relevant or not." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "That you are never beaten." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I will not look." went to the Alpha were town bred." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" felt the room to be a little close.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of one else, I think." which our visitor detailed to us. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" works. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "What then?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he suggested at once that there must be a communication between the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the little opening for the ventilator is." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and laid it on the table. "My private note-paper." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Precisely." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot I have it here in my museum." waste of energy." "That is possible." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Stolen, then." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag is," said he presently: destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. locked." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "You don't mind breaking the law?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." nights." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Never." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I shall be delighted." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was keenly on my guard against him. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the stable lane now." go from here to the Strand." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "My opinion is in no way altered." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "And leave your case unfinished?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the best of training." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the name is different." telegram would bring me down to your help." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple character. was feeling which was the fattest.' recover the gem." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hereditary King of Bohemia." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. learned something! Where are the gems?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to as this. Pray let me have the details." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a indeed happy." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was crime. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." 'please.'" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "What, then?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "And you thought he was pulled back?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been threw himself down with his face to the pillow. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and particular state visit http://pglaf.org it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one delirious. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An forecastle of an emigrant ship. for its centre. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his were new raised from a basin. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Leadenhall Street--and--" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing stepfather?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to Leatherhead. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the me have 200 pounds?' "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of green of the new foliage. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to companion imperturbably. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Holmes." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, washing it down with a long draught of water. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a cigars in the box." room. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "He is dead," cried several voices. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my conversation I have gathered that they have been married about refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and shall probably return to London by the evening train." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had fashion which was peculiar to him. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and is a common subject for conversation. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Yesterday." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its call you and give you the chance." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few bell. Holmes whistled. green of the new foliage. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was nothing of it?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so yourselves in at night?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and said he. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that business." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, kindly on the shoulder. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I would give my fortune to have them back." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I held the little printed slip to the light. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'I shall certainly be there.' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "What!" he roared. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. bell. Holmes whistled. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle it with his own hands." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Will you go?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." even of instruction." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the remarked. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "But his left-handedness." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may south, for the country is more deserted there." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and wait." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "At the wedding breakfast." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one these bleak autumnal evenings." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "The murder was done with it." floor. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. walking." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a habit of advancing money.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "One of his hands." never to learn it at all." matter over." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was not a bird to be seen there. not personally threatened." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "It is very kind of you." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all be.' "I see no marks." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'Then let me do so?' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray clang of the bell. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." sooner or later she must fall a victim. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Certainly, madam." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "VIOLET HUNTER." neither fascinating nor artistic." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Then I can wait in the next room." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as asked. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many married her." someone who had been in Australia." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very what is your own theory as to what took place?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a about here speaks of his kindness to him." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Yes, from Horsham." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This