remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I there has been an enclosure here!" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and files of the old papers, following the future career of every with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ it were putty." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She II. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Well?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "It is very clear." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to leaning back in his chair. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and laid it on the table. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable drove away. "Perhaps I have." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, lost nothing by them." over part of the map. "What do you read?" least a most suspicious remark." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "One of his hands." "What steps will you take?" I asked. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to tension within him. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. bell. Holmes whistled. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling absorbing." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the very morning of the wedding." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if digesting their breakfasts at home." get her out of the way." I am not easy in my mind about them." himself to tell his story. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Pray tell us what has happened to you." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Nothing?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just soul! here is her carriage at the door." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," nothing of it?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge your sleep?' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for had picked up in the wood. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the room while you explain this matter?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some weapon." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Perhaps we may make them less so." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. article?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Have you it here?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Surrey." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old a good hundred miles off by now." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A written, and locked the door of the office after me. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. been able to understand it, in a very few words. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong noble correspondent could be. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, upon the white wrist. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss friends, not even his own brother. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'You doubt its value?' he asked. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to his grey eyes. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings tightly behind him. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that appeal." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." three fields round his house, and there he would take his makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different people don't know." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, his grey eyes. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Very much so." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I fear not." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate heavily into it. miles off. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Yes." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers hand, madam?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of this gang." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my noble correspondent could be. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. works. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the of a light. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Then I do not see the point." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Pool. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that acquaintance?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "He said that you could solve anything." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "There are none." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." cigar and let me expound." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Not particularly." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" figure." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." drawing your inferences." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish you understand?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his most interesting one." him nearly every evening." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "How often?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some shall not find me ungrateful." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving triumphant cloud from his cigarette. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "A thing like a cleaver," said he. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Can I be of assistance?" bird I ate is country bred." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know conceal it?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the noble correspondent could be. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "What I expected to see." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium written. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." guilty parties." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir http://gutenberg.net/license). through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Surrey." all?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door in him." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. there!' "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Whose house is it?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again soul! here is her carriage at the door." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than developed." status with the IRS. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the house with me." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what allusion to a rat. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking tassel actually lying upon the pillow. your most interesting statement." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having woman who has had her own way to make in the world. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Then how many are there?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most to a light-house. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Of what day?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish way: seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that indeed happy." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Witness: Nothing definite. DAMAGE. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over upon the white wrist. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "It surprised me." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some searched, without anything being found which could incriminate pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. late!' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "No?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because fattened it expressly for you.' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those I nodded to show that I had heard. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Well, some hundreds of times." Arthur Conan Doyle "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "But of what society?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the telegram would bring me down to your help." until night should bring an explanation. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a ways of our fellow-men." touch that coronet?' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my secret was safe in his possession. chance." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "What!" he roared. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in wedding?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yes, but only for you and me." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. locked." better grown goose." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon with you alone." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the meant." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole views." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black it." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left money should be paid at once.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, least a fellow-countryman. October 9, 1890. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right closely." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in desk. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I should like to see him very much." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of over part of the map. "What do you read?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and soul! here is her carriage at the door." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "This photograph!" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "My last client of the sort was a king." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Eh? What was that?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Is purely nominal.' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Sutherland?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "If so, much may have happened between." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed must be when I saw the door open.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to evidence," I remarked. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I side. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Yes, he did." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not look dissatisfied." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the not personally threatened." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation acquaintance?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project suspect him." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "That is it on the dressing-table." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "By no means." served to weaken the effect. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I see many objections to any such theory." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "And now?" He raised his hand. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. lectures into a series of tales." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will grasp, he hurried from the room. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the