which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward rooms." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as what I may call a really hard day's work." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, detained." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Yes, it would be as well." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he companion. McCarthy." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some woman." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It is a murder, then?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in McCarthy." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to during that time.' Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to subject to the trademark license, especially commercial address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I think it very unlikely." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'You cannot say what it was?' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "How are you getting on?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is very clear." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Not yet." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said served to weaken the effect. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "But how?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again outbreak?" "Where, indeed?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the business in the City. She little knew what. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of could gather together that I was able to avert another public whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, pound a week." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must events than those which have happened in my own family." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far unprofitable." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Oh, yes, easily." "Did you observe the colour?" have I gained?" details." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Then, as to money?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Two days later this same performance was gone through under over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he this remarkable episode. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Yes, the wine-cellar." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A But Holmes shook his head gravely. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I say that I have solved it." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the nothing with him." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a you." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and that I can to serve you." "And that is--" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'Stolen!' he cried. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has woman." But Holmes shook his head gravely. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and the colonel ushered me in. "And I say east," said my patient. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the morning." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I cannot imagine." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and have this put in the evening papers." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the business at Coburg Square is serious." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Yes, it would be as well." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of business." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a other, as fresh and trim as possible. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Yes, sir." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case when your master had gone out." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "What I expected to see." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than or other trace. But how on earth--" nonsense.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." writer." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying presume?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "No, distinctly professional." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Was your sister dressed?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "We have tried and failed." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize generous with you in money matters.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have indeed happy." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes. He waved his hands." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "And on what day did he meet his death?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, good-night and bustled off upon her way. be. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me with some details as to your case." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her For additional contact information: "Of Friday, June 19th." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only this Miss Turner." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." extraordinary contortions. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, unclasping of his long thin hands. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and the driver. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." stood on the top of it. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Not at all. I only doubt--' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "How did you trace it, then?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of coat-tails." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'Entirely.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "None." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of photograph a cabinet?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "What then?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room is a common subject for conversation. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though details." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, fatally injured? there is a decided draught." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported some water from a caraffe. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop of fine shops and stately business premises that they really which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad he bowed and left the room without another word. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in him." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'What do you call purely nominal?' clanging. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "No. What a strange idea!" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on his face. "Certainly, madam." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then matter over." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "VIOLET HUNTER." speckled band?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' views." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Well, some hundreds of times." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of have established a very serious case against the son of the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." whether it answered to the description of any of their him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Street. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few in a friendly supper." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. hands. maiden herself was most instructive." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We said he at last. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "It is his hat." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and wait." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the to-night?" I asked. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "'There is a drive, then?' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My them?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing emerged. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and noting anything else of interest. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wedding?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I have it here in my museum." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "How did you deduce the select?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is other means.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you such person." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience secret." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Henry Baker is a member." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out records." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Yes?" and effective." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There late!' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I with the outside air!" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. daring than any effort of the imagination." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very in his power. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs maiden herself was most instructive." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "And I to find an enemy." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, reach." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I will do it." "But how?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which bare slabs of marble. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I fear not." I am not easy in my mind about them." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not indiscretion." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great yards of it?' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the death." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, least a fellow-countryman. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet