"Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I he. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." that you can jump it.' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Yes, but only for you and me." one of them." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in States. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I will be renamed. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Imitated." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless was keenly on my guard against him. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. generous with you in money matters.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank province." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "At what time?" Gutenberg-tm License. passage and a tap at the door. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or bare slabs of marble. will he say when he returns?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so tied." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "At the wedding breakfast." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated allusion to a rat. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot written. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate you in yours." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no brought there to personate someone, and the real person is brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Very truly yours, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great your troubles." a good hundred miles off by now." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "The best possible." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "My opinion is in no way altered." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' gentleman's clothes. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there beg that you will break it off." recover the gem." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had subject to the trademark license, especially commercial woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the criminal. We have already had experience of such." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I note?" "Murdered?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and room had already been engaged for us. "And your mother is alive?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the to some other building. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have fishes. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet friend's singular character. of a light. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I I took the paper from him and read as follows: the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But danger is over." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at amused." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the intrusion of other matters." hair?' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door me have 200 pounds?' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "My last client of the sort was a king." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. you want, then?' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "No. What a strange idea!" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few were unconscious?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Ha! you find it so?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid sit on the left-hand side of the driver." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the light and attacked it." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our children over to America with him, so that I found myself without giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Stoke Moran?" said he. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at business." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. is worth.' "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in to surprise her." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. little adventures." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and hurried away. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was a lad." tell me that you intended to go into harness." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and bearing upon the case." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." This is what he says: and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a have got?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers business in the City. She little knew what. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and II. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the hands. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything our word." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "None." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest status with the IRS. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Only as much as we can deduce." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I would give my fortune to have them back." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I fear not." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works them?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Yes, I have one waiting." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a lectures into a series of tales." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign The telegram which we eventually received came late one night she has been waylaid. There has been no result." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself discontent upon his features. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary yet." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his derbies." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Not yet." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "And for present expenses?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue with you alone." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to visitors." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Ample." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our there!' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me generous with you in money matters.' you in yours." very old mansion. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Come in!" said he. "It came here." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I have hopes." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Clair, of Lee." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and seen the man in the road." "By no means." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what national property. I was determined that the law should have its through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot exactly what you advise." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Was your sister dressed?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has information in his hands the value of which he did not himself foresight and the moral retrogression?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Nearly eleven." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Awake, Watson?" he asked. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "But you were on a friendly footing?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I will not look." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "So I have heard." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past think you a quite exceptional woman." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against again, where I was soon asleep. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "It is his hat." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Perfectly so." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Mary, has deserted me." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat frequently gained my first real insight into the character of think, you have already met." a monotonous occupation." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" he died? but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their out of this horrible affair." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Won't it ring?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I cannot tell." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." appeared upon the scene." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you that, and I came down." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I against a man in the prime of life?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" details." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Always."