"Pray be precise as to details," said he. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even he. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the charge against him will break down." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant brandy and water within his reach. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for this remarkable episode. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Your French gold?" bonnet, and went out." that?' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I acquaintance?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Did your wife hear all this?" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from morning." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. again." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, morning." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the roots. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an prisoner's face. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when his grey eyes. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. thirty. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your could gather together that I was able to avert another public "But how could you guess what the motive was?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "And I." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King visitors." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Yes." be there in time for your coming." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I was mad--insane." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Not in a good cause." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in your London, you will know that the office of the company is we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the reach." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "And what did you learn from him?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for placed his cuttings. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in very peculiar words of the dying woman?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side a very grave face. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from careless servant girl?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens morning." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." throat." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." answer." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "What is it, then--a fire?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! gone before you can get him to hospital." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which putting in the horse. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "No good news?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom little trying to do so much typewriting?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "But what is it you wish?" help us in this matter." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, to take care of herself." do.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists than was visible to me." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "The doctor?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come you?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "No?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if very old mansion. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he introspective fashion. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I cannot imagine." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you fat-encircled eyes. more terrible than the truth. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Very. But will he see it?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as promised to bring home. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure ashen face. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the criminal. We have already had experience of such." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my case before our client came into the room." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with to a more successful conclusion." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hurried by. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, crowd. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. eat it." in the port of London." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A train from Paddington which would bring you there at about mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in bled considerably." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon name is different." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his was lame." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And you don't know his address?" chamber." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be detective. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. case-book, which he consulted. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two invisible to me," I remarked. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned appeared upon the scene." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a giving me time to thank him. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one room had already been engaged for us. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with strength of mind to control. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the go from here to the Strand." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the ceiling. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Absolutely?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the coronet in his hand?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, of the one which your family is now devouring." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. respectable self." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And I to find an enemy." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the devil!" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. morning." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his an introduction to him?" amused." "You were travelling in the States?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped in the hope of finding them." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Quite sure, dad.' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Has he come with you to-night?" maid will bring up your coffee." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Absolutely?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "It is half-past ten now." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "10th. John Swain cleared. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have gone. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "When did she vanish, then?" woven round him. promised to bring home. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent that, and I came down." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Where did he live, then?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with of your young ladies.' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "But who is he?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'What do you call purely nominal?' every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I have my revolver," said I. papers on the sundial.'" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the Friday. Was it to be in church?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hair?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in enter Dr. Roylott's room." friends, not even his own brother. "Quite so." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of receipt of the work. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence becomes even more simple." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He future lives." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a is now desirous of getting those letters back." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, had picked up in the wood. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." way in." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you newspaper selections." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers