XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea case before our client came into the room." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the away into the river." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from not within a twentieth part of the market price." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after leave you to your papers for a little." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the dangers which encompass me." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned habit of advancing money.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul anything to a woman, for she would have her way." trying to your nerves." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "What then?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Eyford at 11:15.' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in you came in." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. presume?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Who was the criminal, then?" gentleman's clothes. "Yes, but only for you and me." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall electronic works are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be colour had been driven from his face. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are gone. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had believe that I should never have any practice at all. "ARAT," I read. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six face and glided from the room. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his national property. I was determined that the law should have its likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the matter?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Doctor, of the paper and the date." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist you found me to-night--and running through the front room she if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I think that it is very probable." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could ourselves in the office." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the instincts rose up against that laugh. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, beyond words. not, dad?" she asked. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs as the one I chose?' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled matter." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I union?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, bearing upon the case." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a vanished into the darkness. "No good news?" away to you." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to our word." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Precisely." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the devil!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." man. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "How did he come?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, without a word or a look. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "This photograph!" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a I shall communicate with you." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "No legal papers or certificates?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to gentleman's clothes. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling writer." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he once more to my work. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall stepfather?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I companion imperturbably. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that you wished to speak to me?' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "It is possible." have I gained?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Certainly, madam." experiences." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are which are rolled in Rotterdam." already been minutely examined." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that?' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to into the bag, and made for the door. know all about it," he snarled. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and it with his own hands." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present leave you to your papers for a little." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious just ask you whether you had heard it.' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of your young ladies.' trying to your nerves." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of fasten all the windows?" investigation." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." time." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the little opening for the ventilator is." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white shall use the carriage to-night." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more newspaper selections." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard redistribution. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Leadenhall Street--and--" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning tell them apart.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only constraint." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He before, for it was considerably after midnight. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. your billet.' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many James Windibank. Voilà tout!" third from London." tapping his fingers upon the table. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen written. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and inquire as to the address." situation." "Who by?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My do.' her also." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "No, but the enclosure is." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "You horrify me!" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Eyford." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa thirty. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a generous with you in money matters.' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two invisible to me," I remarked. started for the Temple to see my husband. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend their singular warning or token before them when starting upon have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we likely to be some crony of the landlady's." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual at home. "Dr. Becher's." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'Yes, it was gone.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to affect your life." suddenly upon us." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of without a word or a look. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I answer." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, was already answered. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell him nearly every evening." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and than was visible to me." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly matter over." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two that I am arrested." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own of Fenchurch Street." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "So I am. Very much so." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I cannot think." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out someone who had been in Australia." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. before the coroner and the police-court." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what here and I will read it to you: arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Certainly." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Yes." "In the cells." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a on in his house." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be opportunities to fix the problem. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "It is solved." and have this put in the evening papers." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a front of me. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Where did he live, then?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'Stolen!' he cried. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion our word." "Look there!" said he. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue heavily into it. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Just look it up, then." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see such person." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "And your mother is alive?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful one or two very singular points about this room. For example, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "How on earth--" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend may have an influence upon European history." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." you." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What have you done?" asked Holmes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "The landlord of the Alpha." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, joking. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I am still in the dark." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Could he throw no light?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was lame." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of them, and came down just as you departed. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Look there!" said he. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "That you are never beaten." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "And it is--" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the