"Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I should be immensely obliged to you." became a certainty. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "What steps will you take?" I asked. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most yourselves in at night?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the very morning of the wedding." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her present." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will strength in the others." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to lectures into a series of tales." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are acquaintance?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." eavesdroppers?' delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied detective. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the goes." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "To an English lawyer named Norton." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much thought that she would have been so carried away." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" there is a decided draught." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must might have a private word with us. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." any more." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no better grown goose." could gather together that I was able to avert another public opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some voice, changing her seat as requested. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of tell me that you intended to go into harness." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical open." "'I have already given you my word.' were wasted." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the used to be." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, relief. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see them present such singular features as the strange train of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Awake, Watson?" he asked. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal this man was intellectual?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the villagers almost as much as their master. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was lame." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be ready to-morrow?' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. begun to whiten, even as mine has." direction." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was cigar and let me expound." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a flock.' weary and pale-looking. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Yes." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I leave." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter strength." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from has little to do with my story." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I have seen the police." at home. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Imitated." young Openshaw's." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles answer." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" knowledge of the world." the one as in the other." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Was there a secret marriage?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Arthur Conan Doyle "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was was used.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have light and attacked it." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in maid will bring up your coffee." "That is possible." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a knowledge of the world." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, ourselves in the office." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern mystery!" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and capable of preserving a secret.' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Then the page we have seen--" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must promised to bring home. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from London for the present?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "And why?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "On your arm?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for up this clue while it is still hot." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "What then?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his speckled band?" the matter?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your maiden herself was most instructive." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "One horse?" interjected Holmes. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others flock.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have not had my rubber." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have article?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't new duties?' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Thank you. And your address?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "But how?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which said I. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "But she will refuse." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was overpowering excitement and concern. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself once more on the important position which you have been fortunate and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the devil!" "'And the work?' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I would give my fortune to have them back." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for not, dad?" she asked. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Where does the thing come from?' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the miles off. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, acquaintance?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he You can understand that this register and diary may implicate points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Nothing?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "What!" he roared. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely minor matters until to-morrow." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Eyford." drawing your inferences." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business points in connection with it which never have been, and probably could gather together that I was able to avert another public It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which we went to search for him, face downward in a little and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very or in danger--" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up breakfast." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "What!" he roared. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, never came back." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free October 9, 1890. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Game for a morning drive?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" was lame." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Very truly yours, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "And is that all?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen his cane at the bell-pull. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "'Ten to two.' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered read over the extraordinary announcement. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "How many? I don't know." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "So I am. Very much so." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Yes, sir." "Why serious?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Was the window open?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Only as much as we can deduce." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." interests were the same as his." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a companion. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of him. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No sign of it?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Then let me do so?' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less in a very precise fashion." occupations.' all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Gutenberg-tm License. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "A confidential servant?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Imitated." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the there was no need for father to know." child?' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "If so, much may have happened between." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the nursery. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, forbidden door. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was