was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss me. You must get home instantly and act." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the done what I asked you, Jones?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "But what harm can there be in that?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I am still in the dark." Pope's Court. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is are windows in it, of course?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our upon the sideboard." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. papers." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I was afraid that you were engaged." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and laid it on the table. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It cigars in the box." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able his knees, staring into the fire. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Then I am your man." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us married her." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a fluttered off among the others. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "No." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "No bad?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side weighed down with some great anxiety. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hard-headed British jury." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Yes, but only for you and me." memory. any." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, went to the Alpha were town bred." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, ready to-morrow?' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime recall any case within my experience which looked at the first demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. and effective." have had none more fantastic than this." evidence," I remarked. you." http://gutenberg.net/license). "What will you do, then?" from you?" "None." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I am armed." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are note?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of his knees, staring into the fire. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Will you bet, then?" in his hands." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, I was concerned in it." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes seven miles from Eyford Station.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "What!" he roared. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "The best possible." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "So I heard. You have him here?" "My last client of the sort was a king." interest. They are important, you understand, without being delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how room had already been engaged for us. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in remarked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be situation." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a your bag." "None." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "They are typewritten," I remarked. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get It may be so in this case, also." were new raised from a basin. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "The gentleman I describe." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in in his power. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, of the way of danger. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little some water from a caraffe. him to go away.' ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set her also." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of them has the shutters up.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." eat it." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." intrusion of other matters." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Game for a morning drive?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Yes." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know words came to my lips. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a absorbing." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See London for the present?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "No, but the enclosure is." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "That is also quite modern," said the lady. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "We were both in the photograph." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I shall communicate with you." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the general public were present, then?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the here and I will read it to you: deduce something from that?" off." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm depend upon your compliance." "By no means." despaired of." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of Mr. Rucastle's." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but following enigmatical notices: slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" lectures into a series of tales." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "You have carte blanche." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I have a cab outside." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his again before evening." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Why? What do you mean?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "What have you done?" asked Holmes. father's young wife. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird happened." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I am to be neutral?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I cannot tell." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main might help us?" "The vanishing of the lady." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Cross for the Continent." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was it brought him the coronet? "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Very much so." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. hand, madam?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Upon what point?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." possible that we could bring him back to her? himself to tell his story. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your or in danger--" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the bottom.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered charge against him will break down." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I have hopes." of them has the shutters up.' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'Yes, sir.' "A confidential servant?" directors, with the result that you have seen." "No, finished." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so look dissatisfied." of receipt of the work. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my memory. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "That you are never beaten." upon an income of about 60 pounds." my secret was safe in his possession. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "What will you do, then?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Then I can wait in the next room." "No more words. Get out!" "When did she vanish, then?" His smile broadened. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for one else, I think." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. little trying to do so much typewriting?" outbreak?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Why did you beat the pavement?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most fled together." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I answered that I had not. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram experiences." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Holmes, the busybody!" you do it in twenty minutes!' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "But what will you do?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the was a loud and authoritative tap. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "You think that he is dead?" with some details as to your case." "'I have already given you my word.' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "The murder was done with it." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Then the page we have seen--" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be assist you in forming an opinion." Chief Executive and Director "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "In San Francisco, a year ago." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever