size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'I have heard so.' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some this truth that in these little records of our cases which you multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I don't believe it." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to papers must be those that are destroyed.' I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "At what time?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Not I." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, on re-entering her father's house?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." lectures into a series of tales." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; to a more successful conclusion." man. I know him from the photograph." despair." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as he remarks, very much against the son." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "What, then?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side villagers almost as much as their master. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, 'please.'" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, with you alone." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the own family. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' I approached. "And now?" I asked. meant it for the best. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the my friend's incisive reasoning. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder investigation." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may to take care of herself." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very name is different." grasp, he hurried from the room. "Frequently." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and late." standing smiling on the door-step. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Just look it up, then." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. my friend's incisive reasoning. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Really! You surprise me." absorbing." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Stolen." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way it means?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and me where it went to?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a not as remarkable as your advertisement." locked. affair. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to photograph?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Nothing." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United What do you deduce from it?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "But you have hopes?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the your sleep?' this unhappy family?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. my former friend and companion. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Did your wife hear all this?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the at my own good fortune. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the south-west, I see." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "That also I could fathom." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'Yes.' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. opportunities to fix the problem. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection vague figure huddled up in the darkness. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My recover the gem." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a despair." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey closing the door. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after to miss it." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He vault. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could at home. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "What will you say?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the forebodings. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Upon what point?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "To an English lawyer named Norton." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said row." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'And the work?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that there was nothing in it, after all." "Pray do so." other means.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." writing, and yet I know it well." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what forehead. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a as the one I chose?' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "And on what day did he meet his death?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are invisible to me," I remarked. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "In heaven's name, what for?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which be there in time for your coming." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, breakfast?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the one as in the other." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was husband's writing, madam." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project public press." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Never." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Do you go out much in society?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "It must be recovered." enter into my head. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a think that any burglar could have done. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes she might be summoned. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "What, then?" said he. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Countess of Morcar's?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. outside. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than ordinary clothes on?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'There is a drive, then?' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your stalked out of the room. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have established a very serious case against the son of the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining could gather together that I was able to avert another public newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I am armed." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "What?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Have you it here?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him better in every way that they should make their position a little considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Yes, all." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid handed it to him. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "No." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "What do you mean?" breakfast?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A sparkled upon his finger. you." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the views." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were bore every mark of being an average commonplace British himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your affair. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 point our research must commence, and we will begin it by rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. will not take me long to tell. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "How did he come?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed all-comprehensive glances. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "It was." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took you came in." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others in him." details." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes depend upon my doing so.' tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at just ask you whether you had heard it.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another wife's character?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of round with crates and massive boxes. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the night.' you do it in twenty minutes!' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "When did she vanish, then?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and go back?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Street. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated fashion which was peculiar to him. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "And you don't know his address?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of entirely lost his self-respect." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in closing the door. views." strength." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case his face which made him a very different person to the round, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin within hail.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, learned something! Where are the gems?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you think you a quite exceptional woman." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the chambers. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Indeed! Whose, then?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission cheerful." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting."