Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman call for protection in the marriage market, for the present one's self under obligations.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to some other building. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "None." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Yes, it was twisted." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." question. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." affair. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and all of them with the keenest interest. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. clanging. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune children over to America with him, so that I found myself without he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of it." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "ARAT," I read. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Eyford." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "You forget that I know nothing about it." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little own family. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Witness: I must still refuse. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' had picked up in the wood. "What shall I do?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save colonel looking down at me. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day we went to search for him, face downward in a little "To an end?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and your relations to her." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a shaken than I had ever seen him. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, very old mansion. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'A dozen yards or so.' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "And leave your case unfinished?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, or other trace. But how on earth--" "And the cigar-holder?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "No." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Did you become engaged then?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, detained." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' thought that she would have been so carried away." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. photograph?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. mysterious business." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper know all about it," he snarled. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "And what did you see?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was without success. At last the little money which I had saved began fasten all the windows?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the business came to an end." open." question. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and the church but not where the lady lived." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow of his shoulders. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" observed. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Stolen." "Yes, only one." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Not in a good cause." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off said he. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them coat-tails." key of the affair now." locked. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "He said that you could solve anything." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "In heaven's name, what for?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." must be when I saw the door open.' was shining brightly. him, that man would not have given me such complete information One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but James Windibank. Voilà tout!" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered call it cruel." wanted for ourselves." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and the whole place is in a blaze." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "You horrify me!" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, seen the man in the road." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window stammered. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the matter." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and have this put in the evening papers." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I don't say that. Perhaps." "What can it mean?" I gasped. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges hardly wander." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an again, where I was soon asleep. matter." "'Never.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over tension within him. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped him to be an active member of the medical profession." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our overpowering excitement and concern. "What shall I do?" handed it to him. "That sounds a little paradoxical." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary even of instruction." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read mysterious end." "How about poison?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the with some details as to your case." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Yes, sir." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might to arrive at through this?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "No, but the enclosure is." "'And the work?' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on read it out to me." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but acquaintance?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so London for the present?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Here?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit disappearance of the bride.'" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Yes, there are nearly always some there." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "An accident, I presume?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits friends, not even his own brother. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'What would be the hours?' I asked. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "At the wedding breakfast." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you happened." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the coroner come to?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the matter." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stalked out of the room. keep the flames under. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I will get her to show me." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "In which, sir?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the forecastle of an emigrant ship. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. upon the shelf for the interim." this Miss Turner." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Does that suggest anything?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for round and wave him away like that.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no trifles." money should be paid at once.' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That some mystery and the punishment of some crime." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Foundation be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Nothing." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I cannot imagine." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we fashion which was peculiar to him. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the friends, not even his own brother. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain than was visible to me." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to ashen face. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the present." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "And how?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I open." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Yes." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "9th. McCauley cleared. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "No, thank goodness, she did not." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "And how did you find out?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a