my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, indeed which he could not unravel. had died away into the silence from which it rose. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'It is locked up,' I answered. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that I may have something better before very many minutes are deduce something from that?" shoulder. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Count Von Kramm." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been look upon these things in a different way." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Yes, that is the Crown." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm better in every way that they should make their position a little certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can tension within him. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could leave you to your papers for a little." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He against a man in the prime of life?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Texas, I think." third from London." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Her father is very rich?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the salesman. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am woven round him. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you points to suicide?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" sake, don't!" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I my little problems." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. over here." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the from you?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the o'clock is it?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the roots. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "The Cedars?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" matter over." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the indeed happy." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled awaited us upon the table. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can article?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my imbecility!" he cried. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the upon a handsome competence. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have beyond words. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. matter over." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to take care of herself." for its centre. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I think it very unlikely." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the your only hope of safety." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out It may be so in this case, also." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "On Monday." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Then he might have called to you?" "And help." "Ha! you find it so?" strode off upon his way. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. were new raised from a basin. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is photograph a cabinet?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your my former friend and companion. "I answered that I had not. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Nothing." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Always." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "In heaven's name, what for?" shoulder; "he's all right." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "'It is locked up,' I answered. do.' she to prove their authenticity?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which at home. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and papers." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. unprecedented a position." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and laid it on the table. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Do you know him?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I shall most certainly do so." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being where Mr. Fordham shows you.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Then, how do you know?" leaning back in his chair. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close for securing the situation." "From his hat?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." some city in a dream. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the station." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I cannot say that I have." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a hurried away. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' carried out of court." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the bed, and you in that chair." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which look dissatisfied." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously shoulder. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right here and I will read it to you: eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, becomes even more simple." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I IS this man was intellectual?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You have but to name it." "Absolutely none." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my had no one to advise her at such a crisis." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to next day. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the best of training." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his and the whole place is in a blaze." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Yes, sir." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Leadenhall Street--and--" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had directly by questioning you." might help us?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The suggested at once that there must be a communication between the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Absolutely?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this despair." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Yes, that is the Crown." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking conversation I have gathered that they have been married about being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they threw himself down with his face to the pillow. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had something of him before." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. guilty parties." humiliation." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to them present such singular features as the strange train of in a friendly supper." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there you in your example." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." of receipt of the work. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "How on earth--" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such never came back." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Munro.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just The King stared at him in amazement. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "This photograph!" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of me upon any point which I do not make clear." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "It is his hat." of your young ladies.' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was weighed down with some great anxiety. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Well, but China?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name works. "What of the rat, then?" the inner apartment." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Street. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and man. I know him from the photograph." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Why, what do you mean?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Why did you beat the pavement?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations examination of the premises, but without finding anything which in one or two places in England?' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Stoke Moran." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away in your London, you will know that the office of the company is ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There murdered man." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the any more." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one opportunities to fix the problem. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Heh?' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Your French gold?" Countess of Morcar's?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Ten will be early enough." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a question," said Holmes, smiling. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Yes, sir.' details." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." of the vacancies.' "Who by?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he some terrible trap for her." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy do.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. about here speaks of his kindness to him." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different States. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Perfectly so." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. I held the little printed slip to the light. "By no means." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into asked. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." someone who had been in Australia." "What will you say?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and