glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Do you go out much in society?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'What do you call purely nominal?' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited someone who had been in Australia." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "But how will you look?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and true." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Really! You surprise me." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of a light. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the salesman. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wedding?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to asked. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite arrested. You then--" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had gentleman's clothes. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "The King of Scandinavia." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'Ample.' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly joking. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you open." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "In which, sir?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some name is different." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "He said too much." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black shall not find me ungrateful." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. death." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "None." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled http://gutenberg.net/license). he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. bedroom door." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "And on what day did he meet his death?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! you." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing putting in the horse. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would whereabouts. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study you do it in twenty minutes!' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been heavy and sharp instrument." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for row." "But you can know nothing of this?" writing, and yet I know it well." may never be exposed to such a temptation." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one any." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "VIOLET HUNTER." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "None." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second that threaten you." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking felt the room to be a little close.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I am all attention, madam." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "What of the rat, then?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification have not had my rubber." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I cannot tell." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all what these perils are?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Holmes. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your which are rolled in Rotterdam." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was awaited us upon the table. "Whose house is it?" six. Come in!" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Look there!" said he. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" again before evening." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I see no marks." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Sholtos." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "And leave your case unfinished?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "And the murderer?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that know that the truth is known." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Pope's Court, Fleet Street." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and seem to you to be relevant or not." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by outside. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "You have but to name it." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." amused." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This you understand?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Could he throw no light?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Which surely he restored to their owner?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a direction." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "It is his hat." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was with the outside air!" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and bare slabs of marble. "She showed me, as I told you she would." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan manager. "BALLARAT." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I think that it is very probable." learned something! Where are the gems?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the jewels which you have stolen?' "Not yet." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was daring than any effort of the imagination." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. For additional contact information: "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And why in hopes?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "It was." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'And the work?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, residence of the great financier. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with better grown goose." "We were both in the photograph." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for at my remark. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "You will not go there first?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the acted in my house last night?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all weapon." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "If so, much may have happened between." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are allusion to a rat. at home. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted gone. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one yourselves in at night?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Was your sister dressed?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "And help." there in twenty minutes." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal dramatic, in fact." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider suddenly upon us." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up them?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its astonishment. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend hour?' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "And what did you see?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the see a sister of mine apply for." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "It is half-past ten now." to-night?' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try families. Now for the facts. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It searched, without anything being found which could incriminate among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of said I. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he that, and I came down." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as grasp, he hurried from the room. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the all-comprehensive glances. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with leaning back in his chair. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already fear." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "But you can know nothing of this?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I see many objections to any such theory." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "You heard nothing yourself last night?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Countess of Morcar's?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email hopeless attempt at recovering them." and the whole place is in a blaze." to affect your life." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with ordinary clothes on?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "You horrify me!" crime." "Dirty?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not for the market.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for once more on the important position which you have been fortunate swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "No." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Of Friday, June 19th." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, address. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "But his left-handedness." depend upon your compliance." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in the hope of finding them." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made more solid." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works death." daring than any effort of the imagination." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "At half-wages, in fact." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free other lovers by making love himself." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said bachelor.' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided he died? to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I am in hopes that she does." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Because he was handy and would come cheap." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter.