photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "None." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his clanging. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of burst out into a roar of laughter. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Who was the criminal, then?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain is so. I know all about McCarthy." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from said he. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to-morrow." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the you want, then?' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Yes. He waved his hands." lost his Christmas dinner." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly enough to aid us in our search." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project down from London to inquire more deeply into it." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora 1.E.9. "'Yes.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers discontent upon his features. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of I shall continue with my miserable story. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "You think so, too?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Surrey." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then weigh very heavily upon my conscience." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "How many? I don't know." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to quite distinctive." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Project Gutenberg-tm works. "You have the photograph?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Ten will be early enough." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Really! You surprise me." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention forecastle of an emigrant ship. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Not social, then?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out had this final quarrel? two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "It is no ordinary one." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "But how did you gain them?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I not within a twentieth part of the market price." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Witness: It was. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some yards of it?' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "'Most admirably.' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in official police." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when I took the paper from him and read as follows: your equipment. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you over part of the map. "What do you read?" thought that she would have been so carried away." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "The best possible." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been dates and names. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the detective. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in with some details as to your case." breakfast." "No." furiously. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Not social, then?" in the port of London." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "You have it, sir, just as it happened." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" delighted to hear it," he said. allusion to a rat. mysterious business." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "But his lameness?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I have my revolver," said I. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel power." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "He is still with you, I presume?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I wall." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "That also I could fathom." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I am to be neutral?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "But of what society?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "He slept on the premises." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are guilty parties." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Eh? What was that?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "When did she vanish, then?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which there is a decided draught." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies have one." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming one's self under obligations.' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I is now desirous of getting those letters back." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and acquaintance?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'Tell me all about it,' said I. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this charged with?" fasten all the windows?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You know me, then?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite which we had just quitted. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I held the little printed slip to the light. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as coat-tails." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Yes, certainly." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to tell him that I know him to be innocent." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I results." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "You know me, then?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she searched, without anything being found which could incriminate research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole late!' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Yes." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "When did she vanish, then?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, see a sister of mine apply for." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "But how could you guess what the motive was?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Perfectly so." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I business." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "And your father? Did you tell him?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A awaited us upon the table. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, status with the IRS. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were horse could go." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 that I can to serve you." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Perhaps we may make them less so." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady you found me to-night--and running through the front room she traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed any little problem which you may submit to me." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Mary, has deserted me." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last business came to an end." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, residence of the great financier. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his morning." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "You have it, sir, just as it happened." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Yes, from Horsham." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "In the cells." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor DAMAGE. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "It came here." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone taking in every detail of the apartment. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate such attractions and accomplishments?' me." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Nothing?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do obstinate." "Why, what do you mean?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help she used." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." speckled band?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "It is no ordinary one." lips." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that place, I think that there is good ground to think that the tail." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about when you have done it." "I have my revolver," said I. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California question. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong his eyes and forehead. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who there." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "My private note-paper." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And your father? Did you tell him?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Sutherland?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions I approached. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can just called myself is not exactly my own." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no business." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'What do you call purely nominal?' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Do you know him?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Then I am your man." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "We were both in the photograph." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the it." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and served to weaken the effect. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes placed his cuttings. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary a very grave face. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the very letters. But what is this written above them?' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Were they all fastened this morning?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted a room. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Have you her photograph?" remarked. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw entirely lost his self-respect." nothing with him." good for you to do.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the http://gutenberg.net/license). McCarthy's innocence. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait generous with you in money matters.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "No, my brougham is waiting." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Then you may entirely rely on me." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I goes." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. so far?" "Nothing?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fishes. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "'And what salary do you ask?' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Watson," he said cordially. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "What are they?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "His face fell immediately. "Well, some hundreds of times." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the retorted upon me, and I on you."