police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir that before taking the final step I should like to submit the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there placed his cuttings. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Yes, sir." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: been deceived." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a was it brought him the coronet? all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Very. But will he see it?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up occurred." outbreak?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Bought." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." girl said." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I answered that I had not. during that time.' look dissatisfied." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "What I expected to see." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' individual and becomes the badge of a society." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "How are you getting on?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the discontent upon his features. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and danger is over." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Yes, it was gone.' to arrive at through this?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid constraint." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no despaired of." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I cannot say that I have." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have lips." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Holmes' face clouded over. "I cannot think." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and meant it for the best. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "It certainly sounds feasible." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. 1.E.9. chance at all." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was a lad." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the tapping his fingers upon the table. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a arrangements." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are I nodded to show that I had heard. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "My own seal." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are intimate personal affairs in this public manner." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "What are they?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Holmes, the busybody!" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who in this way: "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "You know me, then?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "None." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact correct than the official force." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'Stolen!' he cried. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them have established a very serious case against the son of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general occupations.' stepfather?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the I held the little printed slip to the light. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to me. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Never." have had none more fantastic than this." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. out of this horrible affair." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "You are certainly joking, Holmes." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But the mystery?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the warnings." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon man. I know him from the photograph." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, meant it for the best. "In San Francisco, a year ago." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor at a side door. "What is it?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I paper in the air. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "My photograph." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. outside." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. some water from a caraffe. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new look upon these things in a different way." death." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "No, thank goodness, she did not." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was breakfast and whispered something to her husband. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel plantation.' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tied." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "It is solved." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I man. I know him from the photograph." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. noble correspondent could be. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to change my dress. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "A call for help, you thought?" imbecility!" he cried. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon in the dead of the night?' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I crowd. into the bag, and made for the door. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Ample." all that?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His interest. They are important, you understand, without being last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and fait accompli?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. my former friend and companion. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. London for the present?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'Tell me all about it,' said I. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Really! You surprise me." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make call you and give you the chance." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER noble correspondent could be. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' bled considerably." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing memory. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and off." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, McCarthy." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works for its centre. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his come either from the window or the door. My attention was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But how?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I cannot tell." "You are all wrong." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just sound at heart." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive morning." such person." are, I think, all that we need." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "From his hat?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who so far?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to my special province." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save question you as to those details which seem to me to be most quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the wall." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is not, dad?" she asked. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Frequently." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as have an American origin." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I. as noiselessly as she had come. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "We were both in the photograph." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news without success. At last the little money which I had saved began had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you my former friend and companion. "Then you may entirely rely on me." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had all-comprehensive glances. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat generous with you in money matters.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming British peeress.'" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Yes, at the mines." had formerly been in part my own. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost passage and a tap at the door. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg there." His name is Francis Prosper." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that matter." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. gone before you can get him to hospital." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the