cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. of them has the shutters up.' gentleman's clothes. "Pray do so." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "But his lameness?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Game for a morning drive?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us papers must be those that are destroyed.' voice. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in take the flies, but not before." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of it with the greatest attention. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the bottom.' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all through." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out cigar and let me expound." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very official police." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been absolutely follow my advice in every respect." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the stood on the top of it. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Certainly." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed more solid." "'Certainly not. But why?' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have heavy and sharp instrument." there!' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always everything which you would wish to know." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De all-comprehensive glances. Mrs. Toller serenely. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I cannot tell." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. recover the gem." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the coronet at all injured?" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "One horse?" interjected Holmes. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed occupations.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know shaken than I had ever seen him. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we nothing with him." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" imbecility!" he cried. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it useful material for showing traces. The double line a little him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest overpowering excitement and concern. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into at my remark. "We have tried and failed." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that this Miss Turner." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with colour had been driven from his face. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the horse could go." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power them, and came down just as you departed. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, just ask you whether you had heard it.' of this gang." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming some place of shelter and let the county police know what has here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the you in your example." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with desk. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" shall not find me ungrateful." License. You must require such a user to return or down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I know where it is." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling returned to France?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my for and were ordered to this address. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the with frightened eyes at his accuser. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be questioning and rather startled gaze. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the papers on the sundial.'" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to taking in every detail of the apartment. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'Ample.' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." trying to your nerves." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a was keenly on my guard against him. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you away into the river." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are you." might help us?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is possible that we could bring him back to her? "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "And sit in the dark?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an success. hair?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." attention." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. stood on the top of it. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away that you can jump it.' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "And help." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Street. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." of them has the shutters up.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I this remarkable episode. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "What will you do, then?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have fatally injured? hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "There are none." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this one or two very singular points about this room. For example, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my against a man in the prime of life?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Come in!" said he. then?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "None." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The murder was done with it." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You think so, too?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the so-precious time, but come!' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "But the mystery?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Was she in good spirits?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he certainly not very gracious." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and behind me. "How do you know, then?" "Thank you. And your address?" "You think so, too?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom families. Now for the facts. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I shall be delighted." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that you can jump it.' air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my both be extremely obliged.' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I have solved it." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Precisely so. But how--" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Can I be of assistance?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Not in a good cause." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Not I." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, ashen face. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "On your arm?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his assist you in forming an opinion." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into back into the street. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. his wife has ceased to love him." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Game for a morning drive?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a guilty parties." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question unprofitable." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, business matters.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small promised to bring home. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help goes." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Pray do so." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite call it cruel." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from that there was nothing in it, after all." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. awkward doing business with an alias." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Yes, he did." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official woman." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case o'clock is it?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. to a light-house. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I it." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "That is easily got." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Was she in good spirits?" there in twenty minutes."