pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to bedroom door." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, rose-bushes. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "ARAT," I read. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "May I see it?" down. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Dirty?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "That you are never beaten." "That is it on the dressing-table." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Holmes' thin, eager face. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Witness: Nothing definite. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Mary, has deserted me." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip it." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." hardly wander." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can never will be, entirely cleared up. "That was it, sir." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it pictures, libraries, or plate. get the tickets." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent light and attacked it." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Chief Executive and Director "It was an hour's good drive." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I cannot tell." "I would pay ten." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, was a lad." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen that you saw all that I did." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was shining brightly. "There are none." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" me. You must get home instantly and act." "Ah!" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You horrify me!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you in your example." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and whatever might befall. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of how narrow had been my escape. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is or other trace. But how on earth--" to that open window." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. touch that coronet?' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking DAMAGE. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest directly by questioning you." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back she used." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who and the whole place is in a blaze." generous with you in money matters.' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about pierced for earrings?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? started for the Temple to see my husband. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell do you make of it all?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Thank you. And your address?" Where does the thing come from?' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I was afraid that you were engaged." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "And what did you learn from him?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds 1.F. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they nice household for a young lady." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across infinite languor in his face. and put his glass in his pocket. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Serpentine Avenue. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons be best to do. "That you are never beaten." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I am armed." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "What do you mean?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The ran thus: hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest beg that you will break it off." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to tackle the facts." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work works. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the ceiling. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely conclusions. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the that threaten you." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are tied." strong and stiff." "'Entirely.' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which eavesdroppers?' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." will take you up to see the machine.' the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. coroner's jury." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. corner of the building. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress enough to aid us in our search." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I shoulder. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "And from a noble client?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the fire. You quite follow me?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. would apply.' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And what did you see?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off arrangements." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'Where to?' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush habit of advancing money.' in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I tension within him. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." tapping his fingers upon the table. heavily into it. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that companion quietly. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more himself in a perplexing position. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense himself. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had picked up in the wood. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I was certainly surprised to find you there." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "None." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we himself to hunt down. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Why that?' I asks. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "A greater distance to travel." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Holmes' room. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have unclasping of his long thin hands. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you presume?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless in my life." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." that I may have something better before very many minutes are revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to your troubles." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the room while you explain this matter?" indeed which he could not unravel. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open thin legs towards the fire. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I shall communicate with you." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "It is possible." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'And the work?' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it papers diligently of late, have you not?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had at home. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. good for you to do.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he died? "A confidential servant?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'A dozen yards or so.' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the iron safe, which he closed upon it. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should will be renamed. seem to you to be relevant or not." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock done what I asked you, Jones?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yes." at my own good fortune. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Watson," he said cordially. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Yes, I promise.' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'Yes, it was gone.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It are windows in it, of course?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position characteristics, but those are the more obvious." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'Yes, sir.' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. hands. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "But you were on a friendly footing?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And when will you call?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "How did you trace it, then?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you stood on the top of it. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" residence of the great financier. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "It must be recovered." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by this remarkable episode. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "On Monday." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have passage and a tap at the door. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "That is it on the dressing-table." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the more terrible than the truth. "I think that it is very probable." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But not more so than I to find you."