opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "And Miss Sutherland?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "And what did you see?" that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all seen the man in the road." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Then I am your man." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment you in yours." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. there in twenty minutes." Leadenhall Street--and--" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch approach us with offers to donate. http://gutenberg.net/license). pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." it were putty." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have empty. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which nothing of it?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and nights." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent troubles have been weighing upon his mind. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, beg that you will break it off." he bowed and left the room without another word. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I am to be neutral?" all?" skylight. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. then?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No address. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "10th. John Swain cleared. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." with you alone." was already answered. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done coat-tails." cigars in their mouths. one else, I think." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, himself in a perplexing position. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" beyond words. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was keep the flames under. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Stoke Moran." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by were unconscious?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little garden below. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another cup of tea. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a how narrow had been my escape. giving me time to thank him. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "He said that you could solve anything." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but James Windibank. Voilà tout!" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to some other building. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from like gravel from a pit.' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I should be taken.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare train from Paddington which would bring you there at about paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Yes, they were peculiar boots." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church envelope. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." sound at heart." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "It is solved." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. said I. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And from a noble client?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek than was visible to me." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Ha! you find it so?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window locked. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who attention." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' who was a member of your goose club." "Do you know him?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Certainly, madam." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other legal crime." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached direction." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." my room." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. His smile broadened. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your writing, and yet I know it well." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. quickly through a disagreeable task. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the IS He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said business matters.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "You have carte blanche." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about do.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'Where to?' closing the door. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "I should wish to." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small society." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country eavesdroppers?' stepfather?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a fishes. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, better grown goose." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." this Miss Turner." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion of." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are him." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been take the flies, but not before." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new http://www.gutenberg.net "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my attention." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight way in everything. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I have seen the police." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, companion. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter guilty parties." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor as noiselessly as she had come. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would just called myself is not exactly my own." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "In what way?" asked Holmes. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was is worth.' which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the answered with a sidelong glance. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." hair?' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Perhaps I have." approach us with offers to donate. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me best detective that ever lived. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'In my own bureau.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from lost nothing by them." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is not come at once?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this one of them." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself is four-and-twenty." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must trifles." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without is entirely a question of barometric pressure." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable had formerly been in part my own. "Not him." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "And from a noble client?" one's self under obligations.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "But she could not love him." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "How often?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "From his hat?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the go--none." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' unprofitable." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from of a light. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I answered that I had not. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord presented more singular features than that which was associated "Seven!" I answered. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. problems help me to do so." "I assure you that I am in your hands." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the must compliment you." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Pray tell us what has happened to you." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears acquaintance?" would then never go into court at all." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, your co-operation." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at at my own good fortune. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and woven round him. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and voice. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness details." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea about. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight there was no need for father to know." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average presume?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I was afraid that you were engaged." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Precisely so. But how--" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's again." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "VIOLET HUNTER." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.'