these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Did your wife hear all this?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar meant it for the best. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I never have." that?' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had chamber." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well article?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "What I expected to see." key turn in the lock." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of fine shops and stately business premises that they really play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only that I am arrested." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Yes, it would be as well." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "The Coroner: What do you mean? opened the door, and slipped through. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of tightly behind him. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a with you alone." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You have the photograph?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it humiliation." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "If I can be of use." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were to me. the dangers which encompass me." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must astonishment. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Why serious?" "What office?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "But not more so than I to find you." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "And the cigar-holder?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Then I am your man." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that fear." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' would then never go into court at all." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Where to?' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "And how did you find out?" to take care of herself." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Watson," he said cordially. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Then you may entirely rely on me." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Absolutely?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very little trying to do so much typewriting?" head. So long, then!" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "The murder was done with it." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Your French gold?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Well." "'Ten to two.' "One?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Eyford." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "And on what day did he meet his death?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Sholtos." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure key turn in the lock." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And how have you succeeded?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, his fortune, and I went back to pa. upon the white wrist. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Where to?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two fishes. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make both be extremely obliged.' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better me where it went to?" "Seven!" I answered. invisible to me," I remarked. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it if I call to-morrow?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Have you her photograph?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his do.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a foot. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a retorted upon me, and I on you." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his The summons was a brief and urgent one. to me. were new raised from a basin. "Why serious?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "If I can be of use." never to learn it at all." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. overpowering excitement and concern. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be is so. I know all about McCarthy." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "The Coroner: What do you mean? ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing all that?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you new acquaintance to Baker Street. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Yesterday." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "And I to find an enemy." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what carpenter." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before rat could hardly pass through." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler again before evening." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone miles off. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I later, upon the night of May 2nd." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'Certainly,' I answered. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "How did you deduce the select?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down like that before?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few had a long day." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than The note was undated, and without either signature or address. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, done what I asked you, Jones?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but 'I should be able to look after that for you.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "And when will you call?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a note?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to his grey eyes. "Yes." is," said he presently: who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I have hopes." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Very much so." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and capable of preserving a secret.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Yes, I promise.' full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "But what will you do?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the presented more singular features than that which was associated impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I beg pardon." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. weighed down with some great anxiety. beyond words. absorbing." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter girl said." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of remarked. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was have accepted such a situation. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger forebodings. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Was the window open?" the inner apartment." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." all-comprehensive glances. with the outside air!" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If arrangements." "And you thought he was pulled back?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and stood on the top of it. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "No." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I system of imprisonment?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a towards the blaze. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking over with notes and figures. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Stoke Moran?" said he. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER http://www.gutenberg.net written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the tragedy. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis American. Then who could this American be, and why should he system of imprisonment?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Perfectly so." "Never to return." that threaten you." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I other lovers by making love himself." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of this gang." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and wait." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "But to whom?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." it means?" this Miss Turner." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm indiscretion." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Not at all. I only doubt--' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently should be taken.' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. note?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "What, then, did Peterson do?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his cane at the bell-pull. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. corner of the building. "Of Friday, June 19th." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the fait accompli?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES