armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "You are certainly joking, Holmes." pictures, libraries, or plate. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp own family. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal them present such singular features as the strange train of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into which I could not give. He asked for Alice. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be whether it answered to the description of any of their "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes, at the mines." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Did you observe the colour?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I should wish to." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. fact, we may call it conclusive." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit hour." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden at once, for I have only half an hour." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she room had already been engaged for us. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the ceiling. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' as the one I chose?' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and there." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "How did that help you?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that during which he might have communicated with his friend the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the retorted upon me, and I on you." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their locked. "And I say east," said my patient. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "In answer to an advertisement." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Your French gold?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no thought that she would have been so carried away." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the knowledge of the world." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "You saw the ventilator, too?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. returned to France?" "There are none." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle that rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his speckled band?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Get out!" said he. "None." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' narrative." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that than was visible to me." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other companion. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock always that they were such commands as a lady might with flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an all?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which my room." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the tear off another piece?' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm think that any burglar could have done. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered new duties?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in disappearance of these gems?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. as yours." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their figure." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'As governess?' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story in his power. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with question," said Holmes, smiling. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and wait." III. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "May I see it?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone correct than the official force." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the iron safe, which he closed upon it. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "How did he come?" words came to my lips. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." think that he is innocent?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it you." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, direction." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I am all attention, madam." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." lamp. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his strode off upon his way. man. I know him from the photograph." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little noting anything else of interest. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss there were so many in the whole country as were brought together no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Not social, then?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to could go. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" carpenter." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding have been better. It is all right." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not question. For additional contact information: waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Very. But will he see it?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all cause to be." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round shoulder; "he's all right." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "How about poison?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "What of the rat, then?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "What of the rat, then?" in this note: dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his face which made him a very different person to the round, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and this as likely?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which she used." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Thank you. Pray proceed." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible disappearance of the bride.'" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the was shining brightly. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "This photograph!" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "You know me, then?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Were they all fastened this morning?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I shall be delighted." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was learned something! Where are the gems?" done what I asked you, Jones?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "I am to be neutral?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Holmes. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ventilator." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, beg that you will break it off." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about or in danger--" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most a good hundred miles off by now." case-book, which he consulted. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping new duties?' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "What is it, then--a fire?" "Her father is very rich?" "And Miss Sutherland?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me round with crates and massive boxes. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would friends, not even his own brother. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' if I call to-morrow?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive But Holmes shook his head gravely. trying to your nerves." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "The King of Scandinavia." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "And how?" to tackle the facts." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and delighted to hear it," he said. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very said he, "my real name is James Ryder." experiences." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the Red-headed League." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "In heaven's name, what for?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Entirely." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the running down." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the sofa. This way, please!" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by be. His name is Francis Prosper." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can matter over." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and files of the old papers, following the future career of every vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. ago." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his fuss that is made over them." feature." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Ha! you find it so?" waste of energy." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "And sit in the dark?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me peculiar to him. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight is entirely a question of barometric pressure." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "We were both in the photograph." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you