"Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It it." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business be sorry for having acted so harshly." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, clang of the bell. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "What steps will you take?" I asked. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the room while you explain this matter?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and thought that she would have been so carried away." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "And how have you succeeded?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and the church but not where the lady lived." works. See paragraph 1.E below. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. everything which you would wish to know." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. throat." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. was it brought him the coronet? machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg that I may have something better before very many minutes are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. his wife has ceased to love him." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Surrey." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is begin with, and I had not got mine yet." was a loud and authoritative tap. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." goes." I nodded again. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have had none more fantastic than this." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Witness: Nothing definite. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It is very kind of you." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was it brought him the coronet? "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of might help us?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each ready to-morrow?' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I was sure that I might rely on you." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And what did you learn from him?" but preventing her from injuring another. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Ample." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the three of the beryls in it, was missing. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of photograph a cabinet?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It must be recovered." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, occurred." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You did not overhear what they said?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it is a common subject for conversation. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I do." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." had died away into the silence from which it rose. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar you?' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I have a cab outside." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in him." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by own family. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Yes, it would be as well." clang of the bell. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. 'please.'" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nonsense.' "Ten will be early enough." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man arrangements." cigar and let me expound." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear fashion which was peculiar to him. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and at a side door. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Where, then?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my conduct the inquiry." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. was already answered. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for towards the blaze. hand, madam?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's he bowed and left the room without another word. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of the efforts of the United States government and of the better find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Eyford." "And how did you find out?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there again." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And Irene Adler?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "He slept on the premises." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation daring than any effort of the imagination." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." anything to do with the matter?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Really! You surprise me." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "But how will you look?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it if I call to-morrow?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Heh?' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and dates and names. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and maid will bring up your coffee." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his photograph?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off hurried by. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive him nearly every evening." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Where, then?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he noise which awoke you from your sleep?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited relief. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "But the mystery?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution his wife has ceased to love him." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." writing, and yet I know it well." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled cheerful." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your cause to be." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "His face fell immediately. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those confronted him. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "If I can be of use." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Ah!" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am once more to my work. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. letters?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, see me here to avoid scandal." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Never to return." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the loss of it. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily present." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "The decline of his fortunes, then?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And that is--" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, train.' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning companion. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was affection." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an call it cruel." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "You did not overhear what they said?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from weighed down with some great anxiety. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I weary and pale-looking. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a he died? understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "My private note-paper." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. gone. our word." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was the fact that his father should, according to his account, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, neither fascinating nor artistic." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. at my remark. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "She will not sell." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few pound a week." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. despair." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the inner apartment." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not strength in the others." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Precisely." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" 1.F. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "About a month then." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and address. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I am about to be married." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the salesman. mysterious business." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. beg that you will break it off." the date of his supposed suicide." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you nothing of it?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my a few minutes he said that it would be all right. electronic works but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "By train from Waterloo." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "He disappeared so suddenly." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you figure." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us You want to know what became of those geese?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It is very clear." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know