I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good chamber." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'And the work?' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "No." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "It was an hour's good drive." said he at last. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do could gather together that I was able to avert another public had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I will do it." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from even of instruction." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. gives a meaning to it." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "How did you trace it, then?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations question you as to those details which seem to me to be most on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Then I can wait in the next room." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but there were so many in the whole country as were brought together pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the in a friendly supper." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until clanging. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open without a word or a look. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon speckled band?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is make me his representative both with the servants and with the meanly of me." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. business came to an end." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping noble correspondent could be. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Where, indeed?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "At what time?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Chief Executive and Director ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Street. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before asked with his eyes open. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "9th. McCauley cleared. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the a monotonous occupation." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "A call for help, you thought?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone your room." "No." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Here?" "Not yet." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It business." the coronet in his hands?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." must be when I saw the door open.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "My private note-paper." "Quite so. She has her freedom." upon a handsome competence. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very into the bag, and made for the door. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "And your father? Did you tell him?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be papers on the sundial.'" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, any little problem which you may submit to me." "I will get her to show me." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend o'clock is it?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of his shoulders. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It is his hat." "If so, much may have happened between." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Yes, certainly." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and returning from some small jollification and was making his way "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I cannot imagine." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he electronic works a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "But of what society?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Yes." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "And what then?" hand, madam?" case-book, which he consulted. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES there in twenty minutes." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Arthur Conan Doyle address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a row." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the second." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but his wife has ceased to love him." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." man. bedroom door." over with notes and figures. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Eyford at 11:15.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was looking up at the numbers of the houses." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. be.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Yes, but only for you and me." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how nonsense.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average used to be." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the stable lane now." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long pity, because in other respects you would really have done very London for the present?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his confronted him. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a events than those which have happened in my own family." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the one as in the other." these bleak autumnal evenings." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Why? What do you mean?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "The vanishing of the lady." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "None." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he chemical work which was so dear to him. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns corner of the building. electronic works "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "You have the photograph?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which in a friendly supper." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that me, and I could not think that his explanation of the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the morning and make my own way in the world.' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have drawing your inferences." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months lost his Christmas dinner." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Pray do so." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you hour." "'What do you call purely nominal?' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Were they all fastened this morning?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late just ask you whether you had heard it.' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." face and glided from the room. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, up this clue while it is still hot." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. visitors." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Witness: I must still refuse. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the window, rose as we entered. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Mrs. Toller serenely. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "But how will you look?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is to tackle the facts." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I again, where I was soon asleep. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "My opinion is in no way altered." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned noting anything else of interest. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "To the police?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "The King of Scandinavia." there was no need for father to know." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "An accident, I presume?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "A greater distance to travel." "Very. But will he see it?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after door?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Did you observe the colour?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in your most interesting statement." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "He said that you could solve anything." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting door?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "No." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." undoubtedly my uncle's." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "That sounds a little paradoxical." you." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to point in the dark hollow of his hand. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'Stolen!' he cried. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the roots. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much confronted him. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes. He waved his hands." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'Stolen!' he cried. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I am all attention, madam." "Then you may be so with me." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon mystery." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I particular state visit http://pglaf.org "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this wanted for ourselves." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "And why in hopes?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. it with his own hands." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'What then?' I asked. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. business?" so.' a very grave face. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the nursery. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' again before evening." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its over part of the map. "What do you read?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "It goes to the housekeeper's room." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Where does the thing come from?' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot served to weaken the effect.