"So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, weighed down with some great anxiety. undoubtedly my uncle's." outside. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and must be when I saw the door open.' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him seen the man in the road." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that certainly not very gracious." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. will he say when he returns?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I fear not." were wasted." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Have you it here?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you answered with a sidelong glance. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very companion imperturbably. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am and a shock of very red hair. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Pray be precise as to details," said he. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end of the vacancies.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "They are typewritten," I remarked. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each tell him that I know him to be innocent." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually hurried away. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his come either from the window or the door. My attention was sufficient punishment." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so golden eyeglasses. "And I." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in burst out into a roar of laughter. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, unkempt, staring out at me. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks my special province." "No, I had a dozen." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to placed his cuttings. "What, then?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" murdered man." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Not social, then?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed attention." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the with some details as to your case." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the excitement. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that union?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee your co-operation." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of against a man in the prime of life?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg case-book, which he consulted. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "What I expected to see." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "An accident, I presume?" "The gentleman I describe." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "No?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman friend's singular character. "Here?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by my special province." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre a very grave face. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were enough to aid us in our search." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. For additional contact information: behind me. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she you understand?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. to talk it over. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Doctor, of the paper and the date." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is one of them." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally past. jewels which you have stolen?' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "But the mystery?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "You have it, sir, just as it happened." husband's writing, madam." chambers. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then the page we have seen--" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up carpenter." man. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the there when the Rucastles went away." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day could not have written that. It is the German who is so And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It looks newer than the other things?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the gives a meaning to it." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, even so self-evident a thing as that." have one." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; already referred to. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "No bad?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "What of the rat, then?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I am about to be married." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were ways including including checks, online payments and credit card from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "And you can do nothing until then?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he compunction about shooting them down." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself green of the new foliage. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Frequently." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "He said too much." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was our word." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sake, don't!" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A her also." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing shoulder. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, crowd. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is indiscretion." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and your relations to her." "But what will you do?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "How did he come?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. strode off upon his way. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite peculiar to him. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about followed. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "What then?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, seven miles from Eyford Station.' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the from the brougham. "About a month then." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of joking. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" society." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "If so, much may have happened between." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "There is the writing." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the bottom.' was lame." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "You are certainly joking, Holmes." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Oh, fresh and glossy." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "A client, then?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of your young ladies.' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. tell him that I know him to be innocent." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to said he at last. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long four million human beings all jostling each other within the will he say when he returns?" said I. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over sofa. This way, please!" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger bachelor.' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes' thin, eager face. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in one or two places in England?' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Nothing." eat it." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and out." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Serpentine Avenue. "And help." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Then he might have called to you?" could go. "And Miss Sutherland?" had a long day." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "You will not go there first?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and fled together." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'About the same.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "At the wedding breakfast." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling friends, not even his own brother. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I trifles." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my matter." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into bachelor.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I fear not." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper