a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have new acquaintance to Baker Street. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, returned to France?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing distinguish the words: how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect it." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Here?" "How about poison?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and wait." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Which are?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and never came back." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a States. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And Irene Adler?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in important." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so then?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I have hopes." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no woven round him. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while What do you deduce from it?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came he bowed and left the room without another word. friend's singular character. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, them?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for cigars in their mouths. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to evidence," I remarked. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water is so. I know all about McCarthy." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "But we can't all be." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I cannot as yet see any connection." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few children over to America with him, so that I found myself without is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "You are all wrong." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Lestrade of Scotland Yard." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had following enigmatical notices: better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and our word." is so. I know all about McCarthy." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of shaken than I had ever seen him. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Very. But will he see it?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour coroner's jury." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous once more for Briony Lodge. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the coronet at all injured?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had until night should bring an explanation. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New other, as fresh and trim as possible. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Married! When?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'In my own bureau.' "You have carte blanche." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Won't it ring?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "About a month then." good-night and bustled off upon her way. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the fashion which was peculiar to him. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Yes, he did." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant made him keep the appointment." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of and the church but not where the lady lived." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I possible that we could bring him back to her? doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what public press." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in upon the white wrist. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" infinite languor in his face. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the that, and I came down." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Nothing?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "But you can know nothing of this?" "'There is a drive, then?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "His face fell immediately. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Indeed! Whose, then?" away into the river." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "That also I could fathom." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Yes." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me flock.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'I have already given you my word.' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the unclasping of his long thin hands. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "No." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as place, I think that there is good ground to think that the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were see me here to avoid scandal." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I should be immensely obliged to you." seem to you to be relevant or not." "I promise," said Holmes. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "How are you getting on?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events arrangements." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. cigar and let me expound." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "No." lost his Christmas dinner." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have footfalls from the street. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more searched, without anything being found which could incriminate been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes to miss it." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, His name is Francis Prosper." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent heavily into it. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the tightly behind him. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I good-night and bustled off upon her way. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the learned something! Where are the gems?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "By no means." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between she has been waylaid. There has been no result." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "It certainly sounds feasible." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. to have been novel and of interest." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'And what are they worth?' I asked. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "What will you do, then?" "And you don't know his address?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Eyford." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his fatally injured? frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would said he at last. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm annoyance, but no jest. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had conceal it?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very married her." there was no need for father to know." "'In my own bureau.' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "It is half-past ten now." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the be.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the roots. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Holmes' face clouded over. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from opened the door, and slipped through. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." in this way: the very letters. But what is this written above them?' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and be best to do. "Whose house is it?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than gbnewby@pglaf.org "Get out!" said he. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and most interesting one." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Miss Holder?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal geese which you supplied to the Alpha." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little public press." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the be best to do. "No, finished." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I cannot imagine." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I if I call to-morrow?" "And how did you find out?" "Really! You surprise me." people in all walks of life. certainly not very gracious." rooms." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I was sure that I might rely on you." "But who is he?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "At the wedding breakfast." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America habit of advancing money.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done later, upon the night of May 2nd." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is three fields round his house, and there he would take his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." questionable one." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been throat." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'How far from the body?' DAMAGE. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is very kind of you." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found