off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This that you can jump it.' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, that you can jump it.' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And why?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one locked." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar it." investigation." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend as this. Pray let me have the details." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And now?" He raised his hand. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Do you know him?" "Was the window open?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might case before our client came into the room." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire as yours." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and presume?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side absolutely follow my advice in every respect." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own such attractions and accomplishments?' cup of tea. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the Assizes." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "But his lameness?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what more solid." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his me. You must get home instantly and act." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening know what is wrong with it.' be sorry for having acted so harshly." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late hands. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Count Von Kramm." with you alone." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain stammered. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the heavy and sharp instrument." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any fish-monger and a tide-waiter." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "But we can't all be." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A during which he might have communicated with his friend the "What steps will you take?" I asked. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out affection." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the bottom.' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman developed." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "On the contrary, this is the right side." several quiet little villages up there." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with minor matters until to-morrow." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Gutenberg-tm License. brain must have something in it." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "One of his hands." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper most interesting one." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through depend upon your compliance." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all him to be an active member of the medical profession." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. I nodded again. I. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Oh, fresh and glossy." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Never." "It's nothing of the kind." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Just look it up, then." remarked. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Here?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Ample." you, my dear young lady?' "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "What can it mean?" I gasped. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the matter?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our forecastle of an emigrant ship. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the photograph?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was the fact that his father should, according to his account, charged with?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see danger is over." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to-night." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Did you observe the colour?" about. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had in this note: beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this strong reason behind." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before fasten all the windows?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Yes?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the was a lad." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime impression behind it as though a window had gently closed exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as is worth.' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An this unhappy family?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Pool. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their infinite languor in his face. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the closing the door. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and appeal." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. upon the white wrist. once more for Briony Lodge. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite brain must have something in it." and glanced through. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the roots. cigars in the box." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a forbidden door. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were disturbance in my wife." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes some terrible trap for her." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, for securing the situation." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "And I." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, once more for Briony Lodge. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a anything to do with the matter?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Edgeware Road. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I am to be neutral?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' opportunities to fix the problem. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. never to learn it at all." notes," he said. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from we went to search for him, face downward in a little chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the night.' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here have had none more fantastic than this." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a friend's singular character. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Why, what do you mean?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "No, finished." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he will find little credit to be gained out of this case." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and dramatic, in fact." to tell." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'Certainly,' I answered. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but our word." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful do.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Yes, sir." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the there is a decided draught." "Yes." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That is unusual in a young girl." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "At the wedding breakfast." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking yards of it?' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter in a friendly supper." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the nursery. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "What can it mean?" I gasped. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Where, then, is my wife?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, spare." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I with some details as to your case." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp strode off upon his way. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he investigation." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom over with notes and figures. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most chance at all." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "But your client--" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but been able to understand it, in a very few words. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must respectable self." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and cheerful." fat-encircled eyes. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Certainly." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom trifles." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, fact, we may call it conclusive." "And why?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they me." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been think you a quite exceptional woman." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Get out!" said he. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; existence." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his my secret was safe in his possession. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "No bad?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Absolutely none." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they putting in the horse. "And did you observe any change in her then?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And what did you see?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That done what I asked you, Jones?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after points in connection with it which never have been, and probably strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I stammered. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive.