business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Yes." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking opened a pocket-book and took out a note. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could easy-going way." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I am all attention, madam." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the one as in the other." done what I asked you, Jones?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Is he quiet?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that mysterious end." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "You have a clue?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "You saw the ventilator, too?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out least a most suspicious remark." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fait accompli?" tension within him. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'I shall certainly be there.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella that you can jump it.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Holmes. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses this remarkable episode. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it during which he might have communicated with his friend the newspaper selections." affair. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'You cannot say what it was?' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the directly by questioning you." the coroner come to?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem You want to know what became of those geese?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you prison!" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. once more to my work. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he look dissatisfied." situation." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers felt the room to be a little close.' and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and there!' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me in his hands." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but be.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "No, I think that I'll take it." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "No good news?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I see me here to avoid scandal." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at was used.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have woven round him. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely a very grave face. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, other lovers by making love himself." "Did you observe the colour?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting interest. They are important, you understand, without being it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself III. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in the hope of finding them." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that if she died from some sudden fright." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Deserted you?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Never." "It certainly sounds feasible." within hail.' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "But you have hopes?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "No, thank goodness, she did not." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it it." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "What, then, did Peterson do?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which we went to search for him, face downward in a little who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business nonsense.' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport that you wished to speak to me?' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first said I. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our occupations.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and leave you to your papers for a little." not personally threatened." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You said he. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. all-comprehensive glances. that I may have something better before very many minutes are examination of the premises, but without finding anything which discontent upon his features. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "There is the writing." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A II. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had may have an influence upon European history." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See investigation." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to affect your life." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and bird I ate is country bred." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the date of his supposed suicide." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I main points of my analysis." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Nothing." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'In my own bureau.' in my life." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which that I can to serve you." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "ARAT," I read. already been minutely examined." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "But I am all in the dark." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the photograph?" back alive. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "You saw the ventilator, too?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked then?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official neither fascinating nor artistic." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to for and were ordered to this address. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Then I can wait in the next room." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban learned something! Where are the gems?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" her also." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the visitors." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Not in a good cause." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of way in everything. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Here?" of Mr. Rucastle's." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his formed some opinion?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has From what you have told me I think that it is possible that story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to whether it answered to the description of any of their surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "That also I could fathom." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Dr. Gregory B. Newby the south-west, I see." "You will not go there first?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Pray tell us what has happened to you." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without to talk it over. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "What do you mean?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I will not look." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo noble correspondent could be. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little stepfather?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to from you?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "In heaven's name, what for?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to some other building. know what is wrong with it.' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which not personally threatened." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Witness: Nothing definite. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Get out!" said he. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Pray do so." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" paper in the air. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the so-precious time, but come!' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what would then never go into court at all." knowledge of the world." roused himself from his reverie. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I have a cab outside." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to-night." as noiselessly as she had come. important." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently and wait." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Very truly yours, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project them present such singular features as the strange train of notes," he said. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "That is it on the dressing-table." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot been deceived." have had none more fantastic than this." "And for present expenses?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that upon the white wrist. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram it means?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." eat it." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the lamp in his hand. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a client, rising. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed have an American origin." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in eavesdroppers?' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Certainly, madam." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if