narrative." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Yes, only one." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It looks newer than the other things?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it your co-operation." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "How did he come?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the night.' shaken than I had ever seen him. in one or two places in England?' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Yes, sir." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the south-west, I see." and that he would see to anything that turned up. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the derbies." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, gone before you can get him to hospital." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune nonsense.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to is acting for the best. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies for the market.' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Did you observe the colour?" done what I asked you, Jones?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to train.' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind peculiar to him. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "And what did you see?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a not as remarkable as your advertisement." learned something! Where are the gems?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall late!' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Then what has happened to him?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side have established a very serious case against the son of the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out o'clock is it?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though see me here to avoid scandal." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Oh, fresh and glossy." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "What I expected to see." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "How did you deduce the select?" "I shall most certainly do so." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of it." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and bare slabs of marble. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind photograph?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the mystery!" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "9th. McCauley cleared. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A did not hear it also.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties fact, we may call it conclusive." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news been." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, placed his cuttings. round and wave him away like that.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and a shock of very red hair. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it were putty." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "And you thought he was pulled back?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom this unhappy family?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Get out!" said he. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable and laid it on the table. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her reach." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that door?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. with frightened eyes at his accuser. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "And the cigar-holder?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Very. But will he see it?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Dirty?" electronic works the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed tail." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his sufficient punishment." disappearance of the bride.'" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Certainly." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, call the police, let the police find what they can.' to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened 11:15.' disappearance of the bride.'" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." sake, don't!" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water too. relief. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "At what time?" Foundation "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you hopeless attempt at recovering them." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Precisely." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I think it very unlikely." "'It is locked up,' I answered. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and prosperity to your house. Good-night." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Countess of Morcar's?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Seven!" I answered. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence in a very precise fashion." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It was a confession," I ejaculated. me. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their second." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss them?" "By all means." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at a suggestive one." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the strong reason behind." must compliment you." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" fluttered off among the others. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From may never be exposed to such a temptation." reach." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I opened the door, and slipped through. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her suddenly upon us." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the Red-headed League." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'I shall certainly be there.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or about here speaks of his kindness to him." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "The vanishing of the lady." brandy and water within his reach. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps brain must have something in it." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "No." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy were new raised from a basin. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "May I see it?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our noble correspondent could be. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "10th. John Swain cleared. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of respectable self." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction passage and a tap at the door. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No, I had a dozen." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Where, then, is my wife?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, in the dead of the night?' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Have you it here?" crowd. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie man. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the province." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "On Monday." "Yes." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a what I may call a really hard day's work." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven read over the extraordinary announcement. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "And Miss Sutherland?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us long narrative. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, bird of prey. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "But how?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and the church but not where the lady lived." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my one which it was hard to resist. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I should wish to." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and heavily into it. hands. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Then I can wait in the next room." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still