conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a bled considerably." call it cruel." "He is still with you, I presume?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and derbies." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you your only hope of safety." "But you were on a friendly footing?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out address. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her characteristics, but those are the more obvious." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that returning from some small jollification and was making his way "No sign of it?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and he. said I. at a side door. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "What then?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'I am sure if I had known--' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing brain must have something in it." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than had formerly been in part my own. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "By no means." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and do.' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this families. Now for the facts. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his is," said he presently: "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "She showed me, as I told you she would." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less quick march!" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "It missed him, then?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project families. Now for the facts. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my more terrible than the truth. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. bears upon the case?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "By no means." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, floor. answered with a sidelong glance. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "What of the rat, then?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Have you her photograph?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "To ruin me." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Won't it ring?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both them, and came down just as you departed. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." matters immensely." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." me." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a made him keep the appointment." hour." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates to-night?' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp floor. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'You cannot say what it was?' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of or other trace. But how on earth--" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "And you thought he was pulled back?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have accepted such a situation. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in their singular warning or token before them when starting upon from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the public press." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of your young ladies.' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 lips." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Holmes' face clouded over. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a there is a decided draught." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never *** START: FULL LICENSE *** here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure chamber." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg directly by questioning you." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yesterday." business at Coburg Square is serious." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage have one." "There is the writing." excitement. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose writer." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "May I see it?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again train from Paddington which would bring you there at about case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a must compliment you." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Farm upon the left." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Precisely." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared room. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good second window is the one that I jumped from." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong wife's character?" "'Then let me do so?' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some suddenly upon us." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. secret." "How did he come?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Breckinridge is his name." acted in my house last night?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey man. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring tell him that I know him to be innocent." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an think that any burglar could have done. of campaign. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside it." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Holmes. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The mysterious business." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "What then?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' his eyes and forehead. "And it is--" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that, and I came down." Stoke Moran." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." bonnet, and went out." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed his cane at the bell-pull. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel grasp, he hurried from the room. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Not I." Countess of Morcar's?" over with notes and figures. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the mystery!" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. presume?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." would then never go into court at all." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I see no marks." "No bad?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the everything which you would wish to know." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Yes, sir." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence charge against him will break down." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not too. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sofa. This way, please!" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a cheerful." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the prepare for the new role I have to play." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what copied or distributed: connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent confronted him. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The chance at all." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was that, and I came down." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to-night." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is tied." and effective." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Ample." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and prosperity to your house. Good-night." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "No good news?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very 1.F. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not page at http://pglaf.org for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had hopeless attempt at recovering them." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this have got?" deduce something from that?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was tear off another piece?' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "They are typewritten," I remarked. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. was it brought him the coronet? assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. dead, shall be safe with us." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it."