This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm during that time.' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. business came to an end." girl said." key turn in the lock." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Then the page we have seen--" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by page at http://pglaf.org and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "You have but to name it." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to look dissatisfied." "But how?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Seven!" I answered. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and matter over." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Get out!" said he. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Breckinridge is his name." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon main points of my analysis." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is legal crime." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were there was no need for father to know." here and I will read it to you: "Texas, I think." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down you understand?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. corner of the building. "Will you go?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of strong reason behind." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Why did you beat the pavement?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom overpowering excitement and concern. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you future lives." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. It may be so in this case, also." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I should wish to." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "No." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that occurred." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the very letters. But what is this written above them?' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It surprised me." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" was a lad." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit gigantic client. them?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Certainly." experiences." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "What office?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Did you become engaged then?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Not social, then?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he an introduction to him?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "There is the writing." in darkness. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from down in his armchair and closing his eyes. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "What?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With business in the City. She little knew what. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "If I can be of use." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Nothing?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "No. What a strange idea!" "And Miss Sutherland?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Really! You surprise me." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal it." "Yes." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and skylight. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time only touch the interest." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which one which it was hard to resist. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. retorted upon me, and I on you." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Project Gutenberg-tm works. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making words came to my lips. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Why serious?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "It is possible." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as ways of our fellow-men." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and coat-tails." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are grasp, he hurried from the room. "So I am. Very much so." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen read it out to me." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that about here speaks of his kindness to him." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped morning." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "That was it, sir." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Do you go out much in society?" DISSOLVED. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So think that any burglar could have done. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his rose-bushes. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of Fenchurch Street." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or manager. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "No sign of it?" of the one which your family is now devouring." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Have you it here?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "But it has twice been burgled." "Look there!" said he. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he this remarkable episode. "And how in the world did you find them?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My upon the white wrist. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the you." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I cigars in their mouths. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "So I have heard." intrusion of other matters." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Certainly." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. and have this put in the evening papers." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "And you don't know his address?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, question. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." death." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and within hail.' "What! a murderous attack?" "'Very good.' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. village inn over there?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in criminal. We have already had experience of such." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Eyford." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into night.' said he. was not a bird to be seen there. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was in the hope of finding them." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "But who is he?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to outsides of the windows. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. call it cruel." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." green of the new foliage. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and no precautions can guard against." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Nearly eleven." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. your co-operation." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come suspect him." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Tired-looking or fresh?" should be taken.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold tied." confronted him. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all children over to America with him, so that I found myself without public press." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in weigh very heavily upon my conscience." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your investigation." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may read over the extraordinary announcement. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Nothing?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Certainly." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At answer." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "You will not go there first?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an voice. this Miss Turner." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to tell." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'Stolen!' he cried. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, bachelor.' "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's meant." what do you think they found in the pockets?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "No legal papers or certificates?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting made him keep the appointment." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and ran thus: still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I strong and stiff." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our