her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, what is your own theory as to what took place?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Well, but China?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, fait accompli?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all tension within him. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I nodded to show that I had heard. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Have you it here?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Quite sure, dad.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. them?" such attractions and accomplishments?' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'It is locked up,' I answered. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "You have carte blanche." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you must compliment you." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora said he at last. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not colour had been driven from his face. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our jewels which you have stolen?' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I might have a private word with us. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Thank you. And your address?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see think you a quite exceptional woman." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Then the page we have seen--" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "How did you deduce the select?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Dirty?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when strange features which were associated with the two crimes which collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless sooner or later she must fall a victim. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that chemical work which was so dear to him. "Ha! you find it so?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "And now?" I asked. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would young Openshaw's." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had deduce something from that?" thirty. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief never to learn it at all." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with infinite languor in his face. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" that threaten you." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I was mad--insane." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a unprofitable." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the running down." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is The police have openly confessed that they can at present make man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, once more. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. back to my heart. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Were they all fastened this morning?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I came to find a friend." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" which it had come upon my father." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I would give my fortune to have them back." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a populous neighbourhood." "And how did you verify them?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "At half-wages, in fact." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Texas, I think." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly acquaintance?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss frequently gained my first real insight into the character of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the rose-bushes. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to have that photograph." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had papers on the sundial.'" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre photograph a cabinet?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "A thing like a cleaver," said he. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down fishes. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that you wished to speak to me?' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open case-book, which he consulted. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I see no marks." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of was keenly on my guard against him. "And what did you see?" murdered man." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and constraint." it." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." was used.' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, matter." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the for the market.' not use it unless it is absolutely needed." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "What I expected to see." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a people in all walks of life. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. habit of advancing money.' "Of what?" and inquire as to the address." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past himself to tell his story. your billet.' "You will not go there first?" your sleep?' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the never came back." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "And it is--" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "'Certainly not.' "No." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we miles off. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Well, but China?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew strength." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "By train from Waterloo." been deceived." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "'Certainly not.' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it in the dead of the night?' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom my special province." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. present." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the house with me." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Is he quiet?" stalked out of the room. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Oh, yes, easily." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a think, you have already met." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Dr. Becher's." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done His smile broadened. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that get the tickets." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my companion. crowd. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the running down." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon in this way: had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Yes, it would be as well." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I will try. What is it?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity triumphant cloud from his cigarette. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. must be when I saw the door open.' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who you for a few hours?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Yes, sir." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Was there a secret marriage?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I guessed as much." Arthur Conan Doyle "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is