the coronet in his hands?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and approach us with offers to donate. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "It is a murder, then?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "By no means." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were noise which awoke you from your sleep?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to nights." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "This concluded the examination of the witness." posted to-day." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." chair. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." she to prove their authenticity?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend bears upon the case?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing unprofitable." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which to a light-house. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue money should be paid at once.' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "No." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. present." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Well." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her copied or distributed: "Was he the only applicant?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his washing it down with a long draught of water. deduce something from that?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. never will be, entirely cleared up. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had have been better. It is all right." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, orange pips. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his events than those which have happened in my own family." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "You will not go there first?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose of fine shops and stately business premises that they really these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" floor. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked other, as fresh and trim as possible. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Mary, has deserted me." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is passage and a tap at the door. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "What shall I do?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary paper in the air. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "And now?" He raised his hand. and effective." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and husband's writing, madam." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was about. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which hand, madam?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "In heaven's name, what for?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Of what?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes strength." "Then, as to money?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to I nodded again. "It is no ordinary one." jewels which you have stolen?' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little paper in the air. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell his face. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I shall continue with my miserable story. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Holmes' face clouded over. father's place of business?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before fuss that is made over them." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Has he come with you to-night?" bled considerably." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "An enemy?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to late!' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the desk. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was indeed happy." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the warnings." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at advice." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was go from here to the Strand." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "9th. McCauley cleared. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we is so. I know all about McCarthy." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has charge against him will break down." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me are, I think, all that we need." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and inquire as to the address." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of October 9, 1890. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you was not a bird to be seen there. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped situation." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its because she had spent so short a time in this country that she It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the rat could hardly pass through." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Why did you pick him?" you want, then?' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business round with crates and massive boxes. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, brain must have something in it." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed such attractions and accomplishments?' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking good for you to do.' overpowering excitement and concern. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "No, but the enclosure is." "Yes. He waved his hands." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the cause to be." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock on re-entering her father's house?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray said he. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove me. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "10th. John Swain cleared. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Miss Holder?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how way in everything. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "My photograph." like gravel from a pit.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little o'clock is it?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Why did you beat the pavement?" lamp in his hand. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell before, for it was considerably after midnight. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: upon a handsome competence. the inquest, and which are worth considering." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his do." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there along the entire front of the house, with three long windows seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean and the whole place is in a blaze." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be very old mansion. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'Yes, I promise.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "It is no ordinary one." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, like gravel from a pit.' on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. said Mr. Holder. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently there." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of other lovers by making love himself." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than him nearly every evening." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing he died? 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "No. What a strange idea!" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' started for the Temple to see my husband. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than bearing upon the case." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this case before our client came into the room." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the very old mansion. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by direction." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I have seen the police." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, lamp. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial congratulate you again." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "That also I could fathom." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of your young ladies.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' investigation." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little allusion to a rat. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'And the work?' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "I do." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our instituted." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into brain must have something in it." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw in darkness. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an have one." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the companion quietly. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his promised to bring home. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." be. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and