"'Most admirably.' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "But I have heard all that you have heard." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards laugh and put his lips to my ear. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or exactly what you advise." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And fait accompli?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' your billet.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "But how?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your voice, changing her seat as requested. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable so.' Again Holmes raved in the air. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure down from London to inquire more deeply into it." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little tapping his fingers upon the table. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is wedding?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Pool. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel characteristics, but those are the more obvious." prison!" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the Red-headed League." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the http://gutenberg.net/license). "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Sholtos." "No." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But I nodded to show that I had heard. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time him nearly every evening." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." brandy and water within his reach. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not it with his own hands." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I would give my fortune to have them back." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my danger is over." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Nothing?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' most interesting one." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during train.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be thin legs towards the fire. to that open window." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Why serious?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still there has been an enclosure here!" "He slept on the premises." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may absorbing." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was used.' contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey suspect him." a little more before I quite committed myself. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for purpose equally well?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for results." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some bedroom door." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found frequently gained my first real insight into the character of furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar beg that you will break it off." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole death." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like to tell." himself to hunt down. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after to take care of herself." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "And I." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind crowd. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Yes, but only for you and me." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and he. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what do." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, hardly wander." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "And did you observe any change in her then?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Absolutely none." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the inner apartment." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently round with crates and massive boxes. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event generous with you in money matters.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the salesman. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! here and I will read it to you: frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that John Swain, of St. Augustine. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is make me his representative both with the servants and with the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "None." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I held the little printed slip to the light. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found from you?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine arms and began to sob in a high treble key. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless will be renamed. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "So it appears." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "From his hat?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any nice household for a young lady." father's young wife. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the inner apartment." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing legal crime." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with was once confined in the cab my mission was practically very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did records." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's been lifted and conveyed somewhere." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'Ten to two.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Dirty?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Holmes." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Countess of Morcar's?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my public press." once more to my work. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet outside." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I have solved it." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter said I. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing of the way of danger. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "The murder was done with it." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this his grey eyes. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days IS gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Her father is very rich?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "No legal papers or certificates?" the general public were present, then?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously stalked out of the room. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing outbreak?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "And you don't know his address?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. key of the affair now." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And the murderer?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I think that I had better go, Holmes." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I pictures, libraries, or plate. to talk it over. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old really the only notable feature about the thing." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Who by?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say that you wished to speak to me?' rat could hardly pass through." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments which our visitor detailed to us. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it be there in time for your coming." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an than to us. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the think, you have already met." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Certainly." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" possible that we could bring him back to her? "We must have a cab." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his suddenly upon us." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would dramatic, in fact." only touch the interest." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Edgeware Road. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "The vanishing of the lady." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A considering the formidable letters which were received by himself horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon.