from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Your sister is dead, then?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George walking." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my where she found matters as described by the last witness. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had towards the blaze. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down awkward doing business with an alias." man. I know him from the photograph." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might returning from some small jollification and was making his way be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. what do you think they found in the pockets?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'Certainly,' I answered. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And how?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with little adventures." "But she could not love him." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Did you observe the colour?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And now?" He raised his hand. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "That is easily got." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to Leatherhead. instincts rose up against that laugh. character. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "What is it?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My present." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I a suggestive one." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "What are they?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "The murder was done with it." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have have one." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "You know me, then?" "But how will you look?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from bird of prey. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing stepfather?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less John Swain, of St. Augustine. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is You want to know what became of those geese?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'I have already given you my word.' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to bled considerably." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. present." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It pressing in one house as in another. "But how will you look?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "No. His orders were to stay in the house." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the driver. to me. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into man. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for emerged. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" ventilator." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself chamber." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this go back?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that tell him that I know him to be innocent." where we are going." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and answered with a sidelong glance. "At half-wages, in fact." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Precisely." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." memory. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very cause to be." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of coroner's jury." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' your troubles." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "He slept on the premises." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Really! You surprise me." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Never,' said I. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this he bowed and left the room without another word. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "And leave your case unfinished?" "And I." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" to-morrow." telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Then I do not see the point." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'I have heard so.' carriage. It was a chestnut." constraint." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. obstinate." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging had formerly been in part my own. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "And now?" He raised his hand. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'And what salary do you ask?' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I manager. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is eat it." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Very murderous indeed." burst out into a roar of laughter. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had cause to be." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "So it appears." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant green of the new foliage. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties made his money." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fear." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "When did she vanish, then?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly of it with the greatest attention. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock colour had been driven from his face. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "To the police?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Miss Holder?" have one." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last your only hope of safety." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as even so self-evident a thing as that." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an strength of mind to control. ways of our fellow-men." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, and capable of preserving a secret.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and your relations to her." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would their singular warning or token before them when starting upon with you?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I that he has suffered." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Not yet." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that head. So long, then!" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the stones. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "And leave your case unfinished?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I am all attention, madam." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite cheerful." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the nursery. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at do." call the police, let the police find what they can.' Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the What do you deduce from it?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Did you observe the colour?" "Very much so." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "And how in the world did you find them?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have round and wave him away like that.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it in your London, you will know that the office of the company is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you want, then?' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "And it is--" "'Yes, it was gone.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one really the only notable feature about the thing." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate that?' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Cross for the Continent." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the orange pips. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "And now?" I asked. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is heavily into it. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." as he folded up the epistle. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I cannot tell." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When narrative." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Perhaps I have." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Certainly." straightened it out again. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being mystery!" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Doctor, of the paper and the date." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Countess of Morcar's?" bird I ate is country bred." were unconscious?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the Assizes." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur look upon these things in a different way." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over future lives." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece carriage. It was a chestnut." hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded hour." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" away to you."