second." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just upon an income of about 60 pounds." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for knowledge of the world." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John completely overtopped every other consideration that we both observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." touch that coronet?' unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall province." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But who is he?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham generous with you in money matters.' letters?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I am sure." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, shall use the carriage to-night." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just investigation." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the depend upon your compliance." sake, don't!" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had compunction about shooting them down." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out memory. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the tragedy. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "The rest you will leave in our hands." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I o'clock is it?" "Yes." "No more words. Get out!" outside. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I know where it is." over with notes and figures. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have any more." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my for and were ordered to this address. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the said he at last. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Have you it here?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the from you?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." indiscretion." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three becomes even more simple." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked mystery." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden think that any burglar could have done. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a that you can jump it.' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next where Mr. Fordham shows you.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel knowledge of the world." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Pray continue your narrative." yet." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "So I heard. You have him here?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of drawing your inferences." "I came to find a friend." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone yet." whole matter to your consideration." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I don't believe it." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to shall use the carriage to-night." easy-going way." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Nothing?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. wedding?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." that I am arrested." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. who was a member of your goose club." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all conceal it?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and stood on the top of it. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "But she will refuse." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the future lives." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Stoke Moran?" said he. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I am in hopes that she does." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a outside. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" absorbing." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'Ten to two.' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, fuss that is made over them." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his unclasping of his long thin hands. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but locked. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. young Openshaw's." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither fled together." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I see no marks." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Yes, he did." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your certainly do as you advise." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he was feeling which was the fattest.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked has little to do with my story." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And now?" I asked. it." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; out." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. in his hands." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I ways of our fellow-men." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I will not look." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have October 9, 1890. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the running down." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "At the wedding breakfast." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, but China?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the round and wave him away like that.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yes, at the mines." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a indeed happy." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "The decline of his fortunes, then?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted infinite languor in his face. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that with her." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a ready to-morrow?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "It is very clear." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had other lovers by making love himself." second." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "No." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Were they all fastened this morning?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a said I. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my tassel actually lying upon the pillow. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I would give my fortune to have them back." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "I cannot imagine." happened." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our during which he might have communicated with his friend the details." "It's nothing of the kind." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the loss of it. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Absolutely?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Entirely." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was to-night?" I asked. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "How often?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter shag which I had seen upon the previous night. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I warn you that they are very incomplete." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a look dissatisfied." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Whose house is it?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And on what day did he meet his death?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a