Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Nothing." "I should like to see him very much." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch one which it was hard to resist. bell. Holmes whistled. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in which it had come upon my father." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in forbidden door. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the night.' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read occupations.' finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the my special province." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I crime. "How often?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" row." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had DAMAGE. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'Stolen!' he cried. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "That is unusual in a young girl." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the Red-headed League." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny shoulder; "he's all right." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Surrey." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for works. See paragraph 1.E below. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I have my revolver," said I. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less This is what he says: sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where in darkness. more solid." "'As governess?' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and writers could invent nothing more crude." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle cup of tea. chill to my heart. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me tied." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I shall communicate with you." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "What then?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which least a fellow-countryman. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth hurried by. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Married! When?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." our word." it were putty." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. residence of the great financier. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and wife's character?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over purpose equally well?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle such attractions and accomplishments?' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the loss of it. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at where she found matters as described by the last witness. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "But his left-handedness." is acting for the best. ourselves in the office." my room." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took before the coroner and the police-court." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "That sounds a little paradoxical." other lovers by making love himself." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the gone. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "There are none." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge you in yours." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be strength." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he even so self-evident a thing as that." "Pray do so." gbnewby@pglaf.org possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Will you go?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I promise," said Holmes. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "My own seal." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but details should find their way into the papers. Inspector charged with?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" him nearly every evening." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous do.' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You were travelling in the States?" forehead. you." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It everything which you would wish to know." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Here?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the child." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few just called myself is not exactly my own." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "No legal papers or certificates?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the bedroom door." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "In answer to an advertisement." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. call the police, let the police find what they can.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your billet.' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned least a most suspicious remark." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "My private note-paper." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lost nothing by them." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this my little problems." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's seven miles from Eyford Station.' several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the stable lane now." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Project Gutenberg-tm works. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of this gang." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "So I am. Very much so." "Yes, but only for you and me." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and the whole place is in a blaze." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable astonishment. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "No good news?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES outside. someone who had been in Australia." advice." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "We must have a cab." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Yes, it was twisted." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To your bag." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'You doubt its value?' he asked. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that singular points about the case. What did the police think of the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "It came here." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As over here." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. both be extremely obliged.' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the lamp. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey affection." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face interests were the same as his." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'It is locked up,' I answered. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger I leave." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Never." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Seven!" I answered. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Foundation clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to tell them apart.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'Where could I find him?' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and inquire as to the address." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "No, but the enclosure is." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable has little to do with my story." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to such person." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. cigar and let me expound." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might said I. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "They are typewritten," I remarked. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while these bleak autumnal evenings." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three swore that no one else had been in the front room during the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "No, but the enclosure is." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly excitement. ashen face. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of everything which you would wish to know." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my never will be, entirely cleared up. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "But what is it you wish?" is acting for the best. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little her also." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a what I may call a really hard day's work." "The murder was done with it." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "How about poison?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your away in different directions, and I went off to make my own possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the purpose equally well?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the roots. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Have you good authority for what you say?" Pool. gentleman's clothes. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough