sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house deduce something from that?" families. Now for the facts. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Leave Paddington by the 11:15." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and files of the old papers, following the future career of every explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately emerged. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "None. Neville wrote those words." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish everything which you would wish to know." "There are none." "BALLARAT." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call seem to you to be relevant or not." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her started for the Temple to see my husband. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the should be so warm over such a trifle." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little had picked up in the wood. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'About the same.' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Yes." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "No bad?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: round with crates and massive boxes. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Street. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Pray do so." "Nothing?" quick march!" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'It is locked up,' I answered. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the telegram would bring me down to your help." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be be. shall not find me ungrateful." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "In which, sir?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I saw her in conversation with her maid." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I annoyance, but no jest. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Precisely." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' done what I asked you, Jones?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Which dealer's?' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his plantation.' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I cannot as yet see any connection." to-night." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Always." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate disappearance of the bride.'" "Then, how do you know?" Holmes rather sternly. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the house with me." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be means taking possession of that which another person has a prior was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and whatever might befall. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Look there!" said he. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting prisoner's face. goes." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning suggested at once that there must be a communication between the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all said I. just called myself is not exactly my own." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "But she will refuse." side. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded pity, because in other respects you would really have done very form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I outside. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Pray tell us what has happened to you." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My back to my heart. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I cannot imagine." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an see a sister of mine apply for." "I cannot as yet see any connection." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite like that before?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever society." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "How can you tell that?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most always that they were such commands as a lady might with civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich out of this horrible affair." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Yes." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, as the one I chose?' "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the cost them two and thirty pounds." fasten all the windows?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, http://gutenberg.net/license). Have you good authority for what you say?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, himself in a perplexing position. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged your own bird, so if you wish--" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should do.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a fear." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "But how could you guess what the motive was?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "By no means." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I you?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, strength of mind to control. compunction about shooting them down." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me chemical work which was so dear to him. returned to France?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "None. Neville wrote those words." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the your own bird, so if you wish--" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and gigantic client. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should questioning and rather startled gaze. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle correct than the official force." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was foresight and the moral retrogression?" wedding?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant did not hear it also.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an formed some opinion?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Nothing." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom should be so warm over such a trifle." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of might help us?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Yes." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was tell them apart.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "In San Francisco, a year ago." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as once more on the important position which you have been fortunate sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I say that I have solved it." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Your French gold?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "He is dead," cried several voices. standing smiling on the door-step. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you him to go away.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Heh?' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second lamp. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I would give my fortune to have them back." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It's nothing of the kind." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done something of him before." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common done what I asked you, Jones?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business particular state visit http://pglaf.org ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Leadenhall Street--and--" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "No more words. Get out!" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: you found me to-night--and running through the front room she they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Then the page we have seen--" three fields round his house, and there he would take his Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." cigars in their mouths. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I think that it is very probable." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. young Openshaw's." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Certainly." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted horse could go." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without late!' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the nursery. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Yes, the wine-cellar." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: in. writers could invent nothing more crude." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you fait accompli?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "So I am. Very much so." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which as noiselessly as she had come. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all bonnet, and went out." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a how narrow had been my escape. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Not him." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as charge against him will break down." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, memory. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and the whole place is in a blaze." chance at all." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a was already answered. who was a member of your goose club." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake of Mr. Rucastle's." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events You want to know what became of those geese?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "That is unusual in a young girl." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Then how many are there?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of Mr. Rucastle's." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. clanging. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an less than 26s. 4d. see a sister of mine apply for." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than room?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "That is possible." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came