my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to that you wished to speak to me?' eavesdroppers?' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "It is true that I have been generally successful." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I am about to be married." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself is," said he presently: cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When what I may call a really hard day's work." stammered. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four one's self under obligations.' "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Dark enough and sinister enough." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and I shall be with you presently." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to gbnewby@pglaf.org you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an not within a twentieth part of the market price." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have subject to the trademark license, especially commercial question," said Holmes, smiling. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window outside." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Have you it here?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you already been minutely examined." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at of campaign. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I grasp, he hurried from the room. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the head. So long, then!" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out advice." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I stalked out of the room. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Yes." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "But to whom?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who your most interesting statement." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, already been minutely examined." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else their singular warning or token before them when starting upon up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the general public were present, then?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain with frightened eyes at his accuser. the Assizes." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Really! You surprise me." "But you have hopes?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "No, I am descending." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing served to weaken the effect. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at must compliment you." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Then I can wait in the next room." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "The doctor?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I room. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We come either from the window or the door. My attention was did not hear it also.' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray obstinate." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the meant it for the best. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'You cannot say what it was?' a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "And I say east," said my patient. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "And did you observe any change in her then?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece gone before you can get him to hospital." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Deserted you?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Why that?' I asks. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of a light. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, business." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her then?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the coronet at all injured?" "Seven!" I answered. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. said I. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "BALLARAT." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the ceiling. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Then, as to money?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Why did you pick him?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "What is it?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name drawing your inferences." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Have you good authority for what you say?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no purpose of examination. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." companion quietly. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally learned something! Where are the gems?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and have this put in the evening papers." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into cost them two and thirty pounds." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. fire. You quite follow me?" forehead. "The vanishing of the lady." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "You have the photograph?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and do you make of it all?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an thin legs towards the fire. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed had a long day." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "To ruin me." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Stoke Moran?" said he. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my fattened it expressly for you.' the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. think that any burglar could have done. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and put his glass in his pocket. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my was it brought him the coronet? a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, a little more before I quite committed myself. "BALLARAT." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair himself to hunt down. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I sooner or later she must fall a victim. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little becomes even more simple." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined instincts rose up against that laugh. murdered man." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Pray do so." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with http://gutenberg.net/license). "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Very. But will he see it?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." less than 26s. 4d. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Holmes." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "My photograph." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some upon the sideboard." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, acted in my house last night?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young them present such singular features as the strange train of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name The note was undated, and without either signature or address. situation." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this occurred." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate never will be, entirely cleared up. "I see no marks." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Proceed, then." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post when your master had gone out." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." chair. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob back to my heart. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Will you go?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. your billet.' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a acquaintance?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sparkled upon his finger. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "On your arm?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the devil!" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been quite distinctive." 'please.'" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent with her." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like to Leatherhead. this unhappy family?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "A confidential servant?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "His face fell immediately. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Leadenhall Street--and--" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the for securing the situation." "What have you to say now?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" I shall communicate with you." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious posted to-day." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are views." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney closing the door. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with strength." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its could not have written that. It is the German who is so B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, at a side door. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in 1.F. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out started for the Temple to see my husband. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. so far?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending fled together." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of such attractions and accomplishments?' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was