of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "It is a murder, then?" 11:15.' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite as he remarks, very much against the son." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were whatever might befall. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "And did you observe any change in her then?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. villagers almost as much as their master. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "And on what day did he meet his death?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Where, then, is my wife?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "And how in the world did you find them?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you think you a quite exceptional woman." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very pressing in one house as in another. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had only touch the interest." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'Where to?' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. already referred to. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Absolutely?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of it with the greatest attention. child?' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his as yours." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "No, I had a dozen." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I am all attention, madam." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "My opinion is in no way altered." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and looked back. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." definite end. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a gives a meaning to it." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was name is different." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this my room." unkempt, staring out at me. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" future lives." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Was your sister dressed?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Now, then, what's the last entry?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' villagers almost as much as their master. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, foresight and the moral retrogression?" congenial hunt. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to gigantic client. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy mystery!" "My private note-paper." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely mysterious business." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And you thought he was pulled back?" newspaper selections." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow in the hope of finding them." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in clanging. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Why did you pick him?" my room." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Then, as to money?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "How do you know, then?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings is so. I know all about McCarthy." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle recover the gem." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the entirely devoid of interest." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'And the work?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you been deceived." and looked back. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "But I have heard all that you have heard." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black swore that no one else had been in the front room during the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Where to?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how morning." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker do." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed she to prove their authenticity?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done gone. of it with the greatest attention. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the made him keep the appointment." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Did you become engaged then?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand crime." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Will you bet, then?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the warnings." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the made him keep the appointment." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Then I am your man." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, stepfather?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have not had my rubber." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow which our visitor detailed to us. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Ha! you find it so?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of night.' said he. hands. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, room had already been engaged for us. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Married! When?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the at my own good fortune. "And now?" He raised his hand. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I have solved it." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "What of the rat, then?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "And when will you call?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so eat it." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And the cigar-holder?" his knees, staring into the fire. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing such person." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were not, dad?" she asked. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both room. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for seem to you to be relevant or not." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "How many? I don't know." all?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not more solid." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is I nodded to show that I had heard. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready obstinate." the night.' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of." society." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'About the same.' woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my do.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "But how could you guess what the motive was?" pound a week." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. away to you." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked front of me. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "To ruin me." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is politicians who had been sent down from the North. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' be. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is helping a boy to put up the shutters. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous results." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly since then to throw any light upon what became of him." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? points to suicide?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. you." fuss that is made over them." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be jewels which you have stolen?' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of confronted him. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way of the efforts of the United States government and of the better bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, to you." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Your French gold?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Certainly." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her You want to know what became of those geese?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I don't believe it." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss until night should bring an explanation. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One notes," he said. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, get her out of the way." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my footfalls from the street. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a come either from the window or the door. My attention was doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows chance." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you awkward doing business with an alias." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes.