dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a it. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the and have this put in the evening papers." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the side-table." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, ordinary clothes on?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Witness: I must still refuse. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "How do you know, then?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and digesting their breakfasts at home." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and of Fenchurch Street." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Pray do so." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "None." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately other lovers by making love himself." "I would pay ten." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his power." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Always." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to house for five minutes.' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped humiliation." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I delighted to hear it," he said. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. my secret was safe in his possession. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I evidence," I remarked. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to change my dress. rooms." photograph?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I should like to see him very much." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to fact, we may call it conclusive." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "And why in hopes?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the coronet in his hands?" careless servant girl?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the stable lane now." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the there was no need for father to know." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room you want, then?' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of correct than the official force." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and bears upon the case?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Yes, sir.' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. thin legs towards the fire. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "No sign of it?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. gone. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'Ten to two.' cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "No, finished." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you standing smiling on the door-step. bachelor.' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into be.' landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Was she in good spirits?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, manager. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "My private note-paper." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are to a more successful conclusion." are, and they are waiting for us." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, business?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'Where to?' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'Entirely.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. paper in the air. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to character. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Farm upon the left." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with case-book, which he consulted. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which are windows in it, of course?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after recover the gem." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady of the way of danger. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am been deceived." Eyford." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of people in all walks of life. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "But what is it you wish?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. third from London." lamp. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for American. Then who could this American be, and why should he 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Nothing." we went to search for him, face downward in a little and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the our word." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and I shall be with you presently." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door fuss that is made over them." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. companion. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me colonel looking down at me. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her dead, shall be safe with us." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "My dear Holmes!" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'What are you doing there?' he asked. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "My dear Holmes!" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but his forehead." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "But how did you gain them?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of third from London." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore case-book, which he consulted. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "How do you know, then?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I cannot say that I have." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by is four-and-twenty." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it opened a pocket-book and took out a note. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Upon what point?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly have been better. It is all right." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is you, my dear young lady?' "So I am. Very much so." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming your sleep?' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Henry Baker is a member." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, answered with a sidelong glance. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum him to go away.' ashen face. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six to that open window." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small despaired of." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right have an American origin." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I promise," said Holmes. "Yes." ago." there when the Rucastles went away." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow outbreak?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Chief Executive and Director in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "About a month then." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "One?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned you want, then?' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Yes, that is the Crown." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter have one." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her as this. Pray let me have the details." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens should be so warm over such a trifle." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If was a lad." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered room. murdered man." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Ample." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "What is it?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of putting in the horse. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Not social, then?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in depend upon your compliance." "It is very clear." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without him. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and I leave." "That you are never beaten." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, prison!" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Street. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the indeed happy." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the inner apartment." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Literary Archive Foundation While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. his huge brown hands. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "By all means." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is fatally injured? "Very murderous indeed." even of instruction." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES situation." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'And what salary do you ask?' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Never." "It certainly sounds feasible." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Why that?' I asks. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "No legal papers or certificates?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, them present such singular features as the strange train of fled together." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Come in!" said he. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage