"'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and evidence," I remarked. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES carriage. It was a chestnut." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "You forget that I know nothing about it." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of receipt of the work. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "But what is it you wish?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, foot. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's standing smiling on the door-step. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "No more words. Get out!" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Where does the thing come from?' lamp in his hand. his wife has ceased to love him." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the page at http://pglaf.org fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have furiously. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary on in his house." the King without delay." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" questionable one." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay as yours." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'What then?' I asked. "No, distinctly professional." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. You want to know what became of those geese?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take stepfather?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his The summons was a brief and urgent one. her also." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a that I may have something better before very many minutes are rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "None." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I thin legs towards the fire. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking as this. Pray let me have the details." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Won't it ring?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. himself to hunt down. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER cup of tea. "You have carte blanche." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I have a cab outside." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to outside." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our morning." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had asked with his eyes open. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "It is a murder, then?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the nursery. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; name is different." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." taking in every detail of the apartment. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Who was the criminal, then?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to there in twenty minutes." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging one's self under obligations.' "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of presume?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the so far?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the row." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at a side door. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, that is the Crown." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Holmes rather sternly. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon forbidden door. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them easy-going way." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of it with the greatest attention. foot. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." tapping his fingers upon the table. most interesting one." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. during that time.' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hands. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was me have 200 pounds?' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said but preventing her from injuring another. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Ha! you find it so?" cup of tea. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "To an end?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. and inquire as to the address." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was guilty parties." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that points in connection with it which never have been, and probably cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the matter." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to delirious. tapping his fingers upon the table. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive like gravel from a pit.' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, have been better. It is all right." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I brain must have something in it." "Never to return." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon second window is the one that I jumped from." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked mystery may be cleared along those lines." of this gang." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Never." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "The rest you will leave in our hands." in the port of London." straightened it out again. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "By no means." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Stoke Moran." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" telegram would bring me down to your help." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was used.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a very morning of my second wedding." presented more singular features than that which was associated death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "So I am. Very much so." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. again on its way. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing look dissatisfied." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and or in danger--" unprofitable." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "That is it on the dressing-table." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Absolutely?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of train.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better that you can jump it.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A national property. I was determined that the law should have its that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And what then?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "And it is--" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'Why that?' I asks. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Yes." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "But you would not advise me to refuse?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Certainly." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Serpentine Avenue. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save over with notes and figures. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "She showed me, as I told you she would." asked with his eyes open. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Yes, he did." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of campaign. him to be an active member of the medical profession." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in prisoner's face. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I would pay ten." in his hands." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the through." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between been with you?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "If I can be of use." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who of note-paper. It read in this fashion: returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to was it brought him the coronet? down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "He slept on the premises." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Lestrade of Scotland Yard." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. his cane at the bell-pull. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four lost nothing by them." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are than to us. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, to tackle the facts." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "No, I think that I'll take it." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'What do you call purely nominal?' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the Assizes." "'Is purely nominal.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Was the window open?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at one which it was hard to resist. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a outsides of the windows. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "But how will you look?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It's nothing of the kind." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "VIOLET HUNTER." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers leaning back in his chair. amused." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the His smile broadened. the very morning of the wedding." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, is four-and-twenty." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken characteristics, but those are the more obvious." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to with her." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a in this way: towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "But I have heard all that you have heard." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning hour?' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my things are very often connected not with the larger but with the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "A greater distance to travel." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Get out!" said he. begun to whiten, even as mine has." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Was there a secret marriage?" "Her father is very rich?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City