wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. never will be, entirely cleared up. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY neither fascinating nor artistic." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I shall be delighted." "That is easily got." she might be summoned. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is it were putty." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ready to-morrow?' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a death." "No. What a strange idea!" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold bed dies. Does not that strike you?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped sufficient punishment." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Then I shall certainly come." was already answered. anything to do with the matter?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated telegram would bring me down to your help." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue outside." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I will get her to show me." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Chief Executive and Director my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not already been minutely examined." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That laugh and put his lips to my ear. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our anything to do with the matter?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "There is the writing." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the night.' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Well." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "And help." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his hereditary King of Bohemia." bonnet, and went out." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, outbreak?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most must compliment you." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down drawing your inferences." mystery." written. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily passage and a tap at the door. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to been deceived." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By would then never go into court at all." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am opened the door, and slipped through. ran thus: four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "What is it, then--a fire?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "In heaven's name, what for?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the appeal." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for even so self-evident a thing as that." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, photograph a cabinet?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the later, upon the night of May 2nd." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the business." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Indeed! Whose, then?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. It may be so in this case, also." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your awaited us upon the table. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Why? What do you mean?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the driver. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the crime. some terrible trap for her." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from have had none more fantastic than this." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary affair. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the handed it to him. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you back to my heart. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent acted in my house last night?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk corner of the building. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds impression behind it as though a window had gently closed say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Street. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he not come at once?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the populous neighbourhood." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most never came back." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "At the wedding breakfast." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. three fields round his house, and there he would take his part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six beyond words. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the The summons was a brief and urgent one. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the and the whole place is in a blaze." business." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the coronet in his hand?" "I know where it is." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. in a friendly supper." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or upon the white wrist. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Why? What do you mean?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of said Mr. Holder. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. appeared upon the scene." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the or in danger--" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Did you observe the colour?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my learned something! Where are the gems?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "But we can't all be." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by some mystery and the punishment of some crime." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'Yes, I promise.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this followed. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner own family. said he at last. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I presume?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "If I can be of use." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' crime. other, as fresh and trim as possible. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Yes, it was twisted." have not had my rubber." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I http://www.gutenberg.net upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. such attractions and accomplishments?' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a cigars in their mouths. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their people don't know." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and I shall be with you presently." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he interested in these little problems, and since you are good gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was you." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "By no means." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "It looks newer than the other things?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "He slept on the premises." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her that the gas is not laid on in his house?" open." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As national property. I was determined that the law should have its difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to you in your example." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled late." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it habit of advancing money.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in strength of mind to control. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the I leave." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "It is true that I have been generally successful." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to crackling voice. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Texas, I think." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent key of the affair now." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out cheerful." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "What is it, then--a fire?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage you?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "What I expected to see." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is