all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new relief. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness salesman. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any intimate personal affairs in this public manner." this remarkable episode. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside said he at last. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have green of the new foliage. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. conceal it?" "We were both in the photograph." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg very old mansion. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very your equipment. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the see a sister of mine apply for." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "And is that all?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my McCarthy's innocence. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It certainly do as you advise." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Nothing." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and ventilator." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'And the work?' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low such person." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual to affect your life." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' six. Come in!" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my letters?" there in twenty minutes." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'I have already given you my word.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by persecution?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'And the work?' "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I was afraid that you were engaged." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his in his power. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather was it brought him the coronet? hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went meant." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally me." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' help us in this matter." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "That is it on the dressing-table." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I don't say that. Perhaps." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the excitement. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and have this put in the evening papers." "'It is locked up,' I answered. direction." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Yes, the wine-cellar." strong and stiff." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Come in!" said he. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "What! You do not mean bodies?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep past. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I will do it." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the matter?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at voice. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was the fact that his father should, according to his account, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I would give my fortune to have them back." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very other, as fresh and trim as possible. mystery!" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "He is dead," cried several voices. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it little trying to do so much typewriting?" "This photograph!" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was feeling which was the fattest.' shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "A client, then?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate shadow pass over his face as I spoke. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "This photograph!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the coroner's jury." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in least a most suspicious remark." hereditary King of Bohemia." "Very much so." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have one." plantation.' remarked. "The rest you will leave in our hands." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been words came to my lips. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "ARAT," I read. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. money should be paid at once.' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "And Miss Sutherland?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to John Swain, of St. Augustine. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a invisible to me," I remarked. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On ventilator." Eyford." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing present strange and interesting features that it is no easy month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'No, I know no one in these parts.' it." interests were the same as his." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and laid it on the table. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to Leatherhead. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his peculiar to him. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon that I can to serve you." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the giving me time to thank him. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "No, finished." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the voice. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "It is half-past ten now." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no occurred." "Imitated." little trying to do so much typewriting?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I am to be neutral?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to-night?" I asked. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "But it has twice been burgled." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "What then?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "She showed me, as I told you she would." chill to my heart. introspective fashion. "There are none." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "And what did you see?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You have the photograph?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from arrested. You then--" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and my secret was safe in his possession. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we about here speaks of his kindness to him." photograph?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was off." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you more terrible than the truth. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as detained." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the inner apartment." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as lost nothing by them." to-night's adventure." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He someone who had been in Australia." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the King without delay." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "May I see it?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should long narrative. open." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of into the bag, and made for the door. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong of Fenchurch Street." fuss that is made over them." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who you." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of one else, I think." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated retorted upon me, and I on you." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." it. on re-entering her father's house?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have His name is Francis Prosper." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and laid it on the table. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his him and tried to hold him back. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the he died? shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. suddenly upon us." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect this man was intellectual?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. way: the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely there." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room,