were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of fine shops and stately business premises that they really day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the King without delay." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It is possible." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Edgeware Road. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Have you good authority for what you say?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting approach us with offers to donate. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "No?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "What have you to say now?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is been with you?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR other means.' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "And how did you find out?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just was lame." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional of." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment of the vacancies.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy indiscretion." hurried by. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I felt?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was something of him before." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some held up the lantern and gazed about him. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter nonsense.' its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. or in danger--" "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ways of our fellow-men." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "What office?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "No." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It looks newer than the other things?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "How often?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the unprofitable." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an train from Paddington which would bring you there at about there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the into the bag, and made for the door. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" secret." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, weary and pale-looking. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which showing my impatience. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. papers." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "At half-wages, in fact." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not I nodded again. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales should be so warm over such a trifle." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. six. Come in!" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, not, dad?" she asked. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have matter." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "But how?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You have compromised yourself seriously." prepare for the new role I have to play." "I cannot imagine." "So I heard. You have him here?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried generous with you in money matters.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster chance at all." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "At what time?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, mysterious end." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Street. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, chemical work which was so dear to him. "But his lameness?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yesterday." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came of a light. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "VIOLET HUNTER." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove disappearance of the bride.'" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she simple cases which are so extremely difficult." most interesting one." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "No." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I wanted for ourselves." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that how narrow had been my escape. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to was not a bird to be seen there. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered it were putty." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which away in different directions, and I went off to make my own locked." "Really! You surprise me." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." ready to-morrow?' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our written. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." outside. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. lectures into a series of tales." "That is not always so easy." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'How far from the body?' the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. might help us?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have tail." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. straightened it out again. "Did he not advertise?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "None." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat hurried by. to-night?" I asked. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "A call for help, you thought?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature himself to tell his story. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "On Monday." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "I say that I have solved it." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an mysterious end." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was My friend smiled. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "On your arm?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy dates and names. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had get her out of the way." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Holmes. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all residence of the great financier. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a one's self under obligations.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the really the only notable feature about the thing." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak conduct the inquiry." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "It is his hat." read over the extraordinary announcement. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news perplexity from it to my illustrious client. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, congenial hunt. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the running down." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black carpenter." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Look there!" said he. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Why, what do you mean?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Ample." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "And for present expenses?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind more solid." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now suddenly upon us." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "How on earth--" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I was sure that I might rely on you." make me his representative both with the servants and with the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "She will not sell." had died away into the silence from which it rose. weary and pale-looking. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "'What do you call purely nominal?' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and sparkled upon his finger. "Game for a morning drive?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "So it appears." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her 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 Eyford at 11:15.' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. never came back." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes had a long day." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but