"Then I do not see the point." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as manager. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of himself in a perplexing position. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Yes, he did." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Come in!" said he. "How did you deduce the select?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Dirty?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of presume?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had presume?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "What can you not understand?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, ventilator." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "But of what society?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Quite so." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'What then?' I asked. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out begun to whiten, even as mine has." during that time.' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I warn you that they are very incomplete." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "You will not go there first?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel him!" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "It is to him that this trophy belongs." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to arrive at through this?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is mystery." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Ample." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and is a common subject for conversation. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the tragedy. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." death." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, not, dad?" she asked. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Then, how do you know?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining garden below. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "But the mystery?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have orange pips. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a if only as a check to my own memory." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Could he throw no light?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "And how did he make his money?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution persecution?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is look upon these things in a different way." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Only as much as we can deduce." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to change my dress. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more to surprise her." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "And I say east," said my patient. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "But what is it you wish?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are of the way of danger. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had than to us. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I guessed as much." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began which should have the effect of calling the attention of the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Then I am your man." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway to miss it." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "And why?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an have accepted such a situation. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. again on its way. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a during that time.' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "And Irene Adler?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "We have tried and failed." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at narrative." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Sutherland. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had works. See paragraph 1.E below. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "And on what day did he meet his death?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" awaited us upon the table. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." morning." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I hour." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such row." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, particular state visit http://pglaf.org which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in must compliment you." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH noise which awoke you from your sleep?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Of what?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I have seen the police." only touch the interest." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'I shall certainly be there.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "To ruin me." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I bearing upon the case." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and brandy and water within his reach. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Dark enough and sinister enough." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "It must be recovered." "The King of Scandinavia." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Was there a secret marriage?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Absolutely?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an crowd. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but himself to hunt down. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. exactly what you advise." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project several quiet little villages up there." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't say that. Perhaps." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the than was visible to me." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Never." whether it answered to the description of any of their by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see long narrative. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my views." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have his fortune, and I went back to pa. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each acted in my house last night?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Precisely." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Yes." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said certainly not very gracious." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'Entirely.' eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and have this put in the evening papers." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an sentimental considerations in the background which would induce tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: taking in every detail of the apartment. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "You have but to name it." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally forbidden door. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "He said that you could solve anything." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom never came back." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "And who is her maid?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis papers on the sundial.'" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to miss it." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next been shamefully used." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Entirely." him to be an active member of the medical profession." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the villagers almost as much as their master. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "He is dead," cried several voices. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Chief Executive and Director ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the unkempt, staring out at me. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'There is a drive, then?' "Have you it here?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he had a long day." "But it has twice been burgled." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I know where it is." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very placed his cuttings. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Yes. He waved his hands." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong true." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Here?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is you." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Perhaps we may make them less so." flock.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came threw himself down with his face to the pillow. people in all walks of life. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "10th. John Swain cleared. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you forebodings. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew not personally threatened." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom placed his cuttings. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "So I heard. You have him here?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down eat it." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the me have 200 pounds?' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that point in the dark hollow of his hand. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us late!' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the His name is Francis Prosper." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I allusion to a rat. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but detective. "Certainly." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our