himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other newspaper selections." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, records." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Come in!" said Holmes. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, round with crates and massive boxes. the coronet in his hands?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'As governess?' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, had formerly been in part my own. Again Holmes raved in the air. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped grasp, he hurried from the room. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Where, indeed?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Lee, in the county of Kent." had formerly been in part my own. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend round with crates and massive boxes. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the manager. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears page at http://pglaf.org common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the little opening for the ventilator is." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised are windows in it, of course?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Who was the criminal, then?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Yes, all." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Of what day?" "He is dead," cried several voices. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "None." Surrey." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in me. You must get home instantly and act." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "It is possible." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "But we can't all be." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made presented which may be striking and bizarre without being it were putty." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a too. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There has little to do with my story." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the words came to my lips. what do you think they found in the pockets?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "And the murderer?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and asked with his eyes open. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Yes." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Then he might have called to you?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran clanging. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, seven miles from Eyford Station.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and glanced through. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of foot. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the coroner come to?" "If so, much may have happened between." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you 'I should be able to look after that for you.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a was shining brightly. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you threw himself down with his face to the pillow. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the a little more before I quite committed myself. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at matter." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Ample." and inquire as to the address." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the King without delay." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. you, my dear young lady?' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a himself to tell his story. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "But what is it you wish?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared made his money." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Yesterday." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one swore that no one else had been in the front room during the colour had been driven from his face. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded this man was intellectual?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried seem to you to be relevant or not." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Nothing." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Pool. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'Ten to two.' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Certainly." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "How many? I don't know." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Yesterday." "Certainly, madam." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his read it out to me." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "I should wish to." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we in. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "My opinion is in no way altered." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may little adventures." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man stood on the top of it. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." highly," said Holmes. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian taking in every detail of the apartment. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred had a long day." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" may have an influence upon European history." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story weigh very heavily upon my conscience." had this final quarrel? "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies searched, without anything being found which could incriminate collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I shall be delighted." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any writers could invent nothing more crude." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is business." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a past. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the my friend's incisive reasoning. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Never.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you a very grave face. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank locked. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the stable lane now." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "An accident, I presume?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, was a lad." wedding?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "A client, then?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there returning from some small jollification and was making his way burst out into a roar of laughter. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "It is his hat." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked will take you up to see the machine.' to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of the way of danger. "And when will you call?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. instituted." entirely lost his self-respect." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman system of imprisonment?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "He might." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that McCarthy." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Most admirably.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to take care of herself." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Yes, he did." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I happened." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I cannot tell." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend ventilator." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. hurried by. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Henry Baker is a member." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Do you go out much in society?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell here." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And is that all?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'I am sure if I had known--' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Can I be of assistance?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Countess of Morcar's?" mystery!" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "How are you getting on?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements over his head with a sweet womanly caress. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "The landlord of the Alpha." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and roused himself from his reverie. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fatally injured? frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that strode off upon his way. lumber-room." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Nothing?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his bare slabs of marble. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in British peeress.'" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he kind enough to tell me what I should do." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Where, indeed?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, spare." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just opened a pocket-book and took out a note. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was used.' over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "No. His orders were to stay in the house." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project some city in a dream. "I cannot imagine." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just relief. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" business came to an end." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat,