Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought drove away. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that again before evening." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to disappearance of these gems?" will not take me long to tell. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak you for a few hours?" disappearance of these gems?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad gone before you can get him to hospital." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the will be renamed. "Very murderous indeed." "Where, indeed?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the British peeress.'" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." This is what he says: Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son what I may call a really hard day's work." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." of receipt of the work. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and ordinary clothes on?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "What steps will you take?" I asked. later, upon the night of May 2nd." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "To an end?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and there is a decided draught." "Well, it is a possible supposition." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about purpose of examination. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the mystery!" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, grasp, he hurried from the room. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I held the little printed slip to the light. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. fashion which was peculiar to him. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another not use it unless it is absolutely needed." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while as he folded up the epistle. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I the King without delay." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "He is dead," cried several voices. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the have an American origin." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter if she died from some sudden fright." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Oh, no.' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "But his left-handedness." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. suspect him." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of if she died from some sudden fright." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a my room." License. You must require such a user to return or dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Foundation central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES help us in this matter." interested in these little problems, and since you are good over with notes and figures. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the hour?' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "If I can be of use." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "No." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his situation." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "That was it, sir." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed me have 200 pounds?' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Deserted you?" "A greater distance to travel." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Street. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Was he the only applicant?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Whose house is it?" the coroner come to?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as it with his own hands." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; chambers. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that point in the dark hollow of his hand. "On your arm?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with papers on the sundial.'" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is to-night's adventure." will he say when he returns?" words came to my lips. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "You are all wrong." "Where, then, is my wife?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And how did he make his money?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Then I am your man." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "What then?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a head. So long, then!" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "A confidential servant?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his bled considerably." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "They are typewritten," I remarked. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "You know me, then?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I would pay ten." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. intrusion of other matters." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "At half-wages, in fact." "It is half-past ten now." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are them, and came down just as you departed. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Stoke Moran?" said he. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the stable lane now." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits means taking possession of that which another person has a prior air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "It is solved." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the Red-headed League." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "How did he come?" of them has the shutters up.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. followed. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington success. "You have but to name it." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my other lovers by making love himself." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable you, my dear young lady?' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of she to prove their authenticity?" chill to my heart. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "What, then, did Peterson do?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "That also I could fathom." been." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official time." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are certainly do as you advise." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the newspaper selections." case-book, which he consulted. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "This photograph!" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a London for the present?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Is 4 pounds a week.' carriage. It was a chestnut." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "The gentleman I describe." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed been with you?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I would pay ten." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "It may not come to that," said Holmes. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the telegram would bring me down to your help." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck call you and give you the chance." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Lee, in the county of Kent." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "The decline of his fortunes, then?" works. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Countess of Morcar's?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune him. "You are all wrong." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful that, and I came down." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery character. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of address. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable client, rising. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I have come for advice." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Bought." matter over." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "How on earth--" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was views." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I beg pardon." through." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the there was no need for father to know." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes, he did." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a never came back." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this unprecedented a position." again, where I was soon asleep. way: Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the companion. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification made his money." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." not personally threatened." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to ashen face. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Dr. Becher's." Henry Baker is a member." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the could gather together that I was able to avert another public take the flies, but not before." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove elbow where you rest it upon the desk?"