Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Upon what point?" to have been novel and of interest." orange pips. carriage. It was a chestnut." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "But how?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which views." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to I shall communicate with you." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the child." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to golden eyeglasses. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "You think so, too?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but question. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take lips." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Never.' admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded companion. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich absolutely follow my advice in every respect." one of them." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror answer." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at in him." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the running down." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his goes." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; everything which you would wish to know." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never directly by questioning you." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and seen the man in the road." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as place no limit on the sum I may draw." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the delirious. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the woman." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, morning." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an if she died from some sudden fright." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He business." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are manager. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the wedding?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "And why?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! directors, with the result that you have seen." sufficient punishment." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And on what day did he meet his death?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to window when the police appeared." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of taking in every detail of the apartment. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Henry Baker is a member." "I have hopes." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Not him." quick march!" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the everything which you would wish to know." with you alone." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at are, I think, all that we need." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Did you become engaged then?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the was a perfect sample of the class. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once have been better. It is all right." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her feature." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a some terrible trap for her." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to-morrow." stood on the top of it. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "But what harm can there be in that?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger During two years I have had three consultations and one small other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own she has been waylaid. There has been no result." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some what do you think they found in the pockets?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did there was no need for father to know." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Again Holmes raved in the air. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly silent! Oh, he will be silent!' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "He is dead," cried several voices. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "'Why that?' I asks. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I will get her to show me." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might some city in a dream. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed bedroom door." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no from you?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Did you become engaged then?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the appeared upon the scene." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the ceiling. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. ceremony." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot a suggestive one." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in was a perfect sample of the class. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. I leave." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his hour?' believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'I have already given you my word.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I everything which you would wish to know." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Could he throw no light?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment bell. Holmes whistled. "What are they?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was examine." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the bottom.' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'And what salary do you ask?' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may said Mr. Holder. "What shall I do?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out been deceived." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Holmes." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Which surely he restored to their owner?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "How on earth--" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because himself. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my October 9, 1890. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to again, where I was soon asleep. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I approached. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the that, and I came down." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Yes, only one." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the house with me." all-comprehensive glances. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Where does the thing come from?' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "No legal papers or certificates?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Precisely so. But how--" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Perfectly so." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "And Miss Sutherland?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my taking in every detail of the apartment. "Yes, sir." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last here and I will read it to you: "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we row." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that there when the Rucastles went away." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Yes." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "What shall I do?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his searched, without anything being found which could incriminate she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Certainly." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and that he would see to anything that turned up. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And your father? Did you tell him?" "How did he come?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "On Monday." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the asked. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "What! Had he lost his wife?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of and put his glass in his pocket. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of forbidden door. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, arrangements." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was mystery!" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal closely." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. such person." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." how narrow had been my escape. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely forebodings. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "9th. McCauley cleared. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered II. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa