The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. place of silver." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, papers must be those that are destroyed.' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had his knees, staring into the fire. "Your sister is dead, then?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "And I say east," said my patient. which was all perfectly true. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or just called myself is not exactly my own." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to affect your life." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of so far?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Surrey." the inquest, and which are worth considering." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no you in your example." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few way in everything. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought could gather together that I was able to avert another public death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" despair." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave to-night's adventure." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "What! a murderous attack?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. it. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new lamp. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of was already answered. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it upon an income of about 60 pounds." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled father's place of business?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at on re-entering her father's house?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Then I do not see the point." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Breckinridge is his name." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "One of his hands." "One of the highest in England." closing the door. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "None. Neville wrote those words." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon directly by questioning you." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the your own bird, so if you wish--" train.' my special province." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Of what day?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I was certainly surprised to find you there." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the interest. They are important, you understand, without being find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my to some other building. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set your billet.' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You are hungry," I remarked. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight formed some opinion?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'Where could I find him?' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." I took the paper from him and read as follows: I think that I could be of assistance to you." "No." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a call it cruel." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes disappearance of the bride.'" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful that he has suffered." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "This photograph!" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'And what salary do you ask?' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Tired-looking or fresh?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted there were so many in the whole country as were brought together His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I am in hopes that she does." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Did you become engaged then?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to might have a private word with us. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Entirely." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." leave you to your papers for a little." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I shall be delighted." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with of receipt of the work. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "He is dead," cried several voices. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I saw her in conversation with her maid." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham upon an income of about 60 pounds." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Very murderous indeed." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Whose house is it?" might have a private word with us. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Pool. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "It is solved." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I was certainly surprised to find you there." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "You don't mind breaking the law?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never had a long day." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia secret." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs make me his representative both with the servants and with the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the nothing of it?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the locked." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the window, rose as we entered. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the outside." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall during that time.' ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning upon an income of about 60 pounds." foresight and the moral retrogression?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. present." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "But what will you do?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "My own seal." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. to me. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is other, as fresh and trim as possible. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Nothing?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is know what is wrong with it.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the thirty. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Is purely nominal.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I am to be neutral?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in with you alone." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "What! You do not mean bodies?" it." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "10th. John Swain cleared. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "That is easily got." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It is half-past ten now." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The straighten it?" "One?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial best detective that ever lived. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Gutenberg-tm License. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "But we can't all be." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, where she found matters as described by the last witness. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features her also." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "And from a noble client?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "But you have hopes?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to do.' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." rose-bushes. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Which surely he restored to their owner?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some be there in time for your coming." yet." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Never,' said I. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and six. Come in!" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do me." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that be there in time for your coming." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Where, then, is my wife?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the What do you deduce from it?" "My dear Holmes!" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double guilty one." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. later, upon the night of May 2nd." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my think you a quite exceptional woman." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now front of me. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. giving me time to thank him. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Because he was handy and would come cheap." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes,