Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do so far?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was used.' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about which we had just quitted. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: impression behind it as though a window had gently closed actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is been shamefully used." sound at heart." anything to do with the matter?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open mysterious business." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it strong reason behind." "Could he throw no light?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is to him that this trophy belongs." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And how did you verify them?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to-night?" I asked. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. answered with a sidelong glance. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to works. See paragraph 1.E below. together. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I cannot think." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which shag which I had seen upon the previous night. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She page at http://pglaf.org "Of Friday, June 19th." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if you came in." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which them present such singular features as the strange train of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, hand, madam?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I am to be neutral?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our been with you?" not, dad?" she asked. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than started for the Temple to see my husband. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with him and tried to hold him back. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took miles off. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to-night?' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say side. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'How far from the body?' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. was a perfect sample of the class. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Farm upon the left." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "'I have already given you my word.' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and people in all walks of life. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The knees of his trousers." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I cannot think." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had woman." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "The best possible." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after this man was intellectual?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "That's no good." the bed, and you in that chair." cigars in the box." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'And what are they worth?' I asked. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And when will you call?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "But the mystery?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'Where to?' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Nothing." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I was mad--insane." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "And you don't know his address?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Murdered?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I would give my fortune to have them back." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in roused himself from his reverie. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the inner apartment." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." towards the blaze. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in over here." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt there has been an enclosure here!" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "He is still with you, I presume?" the inner apartment." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "No?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days people don't know." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of young Openshaw's." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "At half-wages, in fact." delirious. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "What office?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was neither fascinating nor artistic." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, always that they were such commands as a lady might with He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It you." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit in my life." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'I have heard so.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a it." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "I say it is." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary been." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my You can understand that this register and diary may implicate akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two respectable self." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet do.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "And why in hopes?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it never will be, entirely cleared up. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my would then never go into court at all." chair. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "No, my brougham is waiting." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we for its centre. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was himself. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "How did he come?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a views." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight were wasted." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'And what salary do you ask?' kindly on the shoulder. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for way in everything. yet." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, for and were ordered to this address. absorbing." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I have hopes." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was later, upon the night of May 2nd." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Murdered?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch chance at all." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to writer." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Yes." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had evidence," I remarked. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I have seen the police." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes, that is the Crown." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Yes, I have one waiting." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should lost nothing by them." "'What do you call purely nominal?' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a breakfast?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "But his left-handedness." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "On Monday." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "What shall I do?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed pound a week." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Oh, yes, easily." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'How far from the body?' "9th. McCauley cleared. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of whether it answered to the description of any of their relief. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Mary, has deserted me." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the there has been an enclosure here!" recover the gem." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "You have carte blanche." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and there was no need for father to know." "Who by?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "No more words. Get out!" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Because he was handy and would come cheap." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "And when will you call?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of room had already been engaged for us. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring passage and a tap at the door. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official other lovers by making love himself." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel thin, with a long, sharp nose?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when