keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to ordinary clothes on?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "My stepfather's business papers." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire than was visible to me." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," his eyes and forehead. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I nodded to show that I had heard. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, stammered. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." plantation.' beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable bare slabs of marble. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom presented which may be striking and bizarre without being nice household for a young lady." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is possible." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "He is still with you, I presume?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is she has been waylaid. There has been no result." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Witness: Nothing definite. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Then how many are there?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her trying to your nerves." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some searched, without anything being found which could incriminate done what I asked you, Jones?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "One?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I was sure that I might rely on you." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Leadenhall Street--and--" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Yes, sir." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Pope's Court. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." so far?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But she could not love him." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "But the mystery?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It is half-past ten now." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in it? Did I buy the geese off you?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "That is easily got." appointment with me for six o'clock?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, DAMAGE. through." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "So I have heard." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham like that before?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, without a word or a look. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered nothing with him." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I answered that I had not. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Do you receive much company?" he asked. do you make of it all?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his you in your example." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond she has been waylaid. There has been no result." hurried away. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "What will you say?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was chance at all." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "You'll never persuade me to believe that." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Yes." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive one's self under obligations.' "The gentleman I describe." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her showing my impatience. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, ourselves in the office." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'And the work?' that, and I came down." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "What will you say?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly interests were the same as his." stepfather?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I cannot as yet see any connection." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "That's no good." "Pray do so." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the little opening for the ventilator is." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "But to whom?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had matter." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, your only hope of safety." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "He slept on the premises." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' your co-operation." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the remarked. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Sutherland. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'How far from the body?' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her to some other building. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You have but to name it." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, absorbing." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." annoyance, but no jest. "What!" he roared. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Ample." together. "About a month then." never came back." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to corner of the building. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without your sleep?' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor already been minutely examined." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either with frightened eyes at his accuser. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Game for a morning drive?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this remarked. conceal it?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, problems help me to do so." "Never." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And what did you learn from him?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" golden eyeglasses. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the cheerful." business?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That is easily got." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out power." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to miss it." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed weigh very heavily upon my conscience." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'Certainly not. But why?' it right.' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so been with you?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature absolutely follow my advice in every respect." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "So I have heard." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air suspect him." your most interesting statement." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that nights." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of campaign. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "That is possible." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "This photograph!" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this returning from some small jollification and was making his way Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the stones. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to photograph?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, chemical work which was so dear to him. do.' "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes I nodded again. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. was used.' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has that, and I came down." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with towards the blaze. matter." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "But I am all in the dark." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" appeared upon the scene." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those to-night?' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Never to return." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly people in all walks of life. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after himself. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Farm upon the left." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the bed, and you in that chair." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises to take care of herself." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Does that suggest anything?" learned something! Where are the gems?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy asked with his eyes open. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went My friend smiled. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "The Coroner: What do you mean? as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in gone. Holmes' thin, eager face. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: not within a twentieth part of the market price." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police