Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, into the room. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should this man was intellectual?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "And I." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the or in danger--" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Very much so." persecution?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let there." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Dr. Gregory B. Newby his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Yes, sir." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, What do you deduce from it?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "But how will you look?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, becomes even more simple." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "So I have heard." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that you wished to speak to me?' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "There are none." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, ways of our fellow-men." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Why, what do you mean?" clang of the bell. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, following enigmatical notices: with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I shall most certainly do so." "It looks newer than the other things?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I think it very unlikely." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that you saw all that I did." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps business?" never came back." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull up this clue while it is still hot." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Nothing." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." money should be paid at once.' a monotonous occupation." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened IS orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Do you know him?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Indeed! Whose, then?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had of." clang of the bell. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And you can do nothing until then?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then as this. Pray let me have the details." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled window when the police appeared." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "By all means." and put his glass in his pocket. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. allusion to a rat. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled this unhappy family?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six himself. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Did your wife hear all this?" gone. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets strength." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Entirely." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Yes, it was twisted." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while question you as to those details which seem to me to be most in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and footfalls from the street. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Where, indeed?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish interested in these little problems, and since you are good business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "It is possible." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'There is a drive, then?' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has father's place of business?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a joking. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "So it appears." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I see many objections to any such theory." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were past. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until hereditary King of Bohemia." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Have you it here?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" questionable one." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I everything which you would wish to know." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Your presence might be invaluable." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business hour." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Oh, yes, easily." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and public press." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the do.' reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the skylight. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "She will not sell." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. chambers. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to did not hear it also.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." there was no need for father to know." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the tragedy. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face noise which awoke you from your sleep?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "And who is her maid?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the window, rose as we entered. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping help us in this matter." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have established a very serious case against the son of the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that becomes even more simple." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in more terrible than the truth. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in our word." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' when your master had gone out." chance at all." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the coronet at all injured?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "You did not overhear what they said?" "She told me to ask you." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Holmes' thin, eager face. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I never have." ago." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress to me. Mary, has deserted me." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with frightened eyes at his accuser. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "In San Francisco, a year ago." "He is dead," cried several voices. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had compunction about shooting them down." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I like gravel from a pit.' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less depend upon my doing so.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "What! a murderous attack?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some attention." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. The King stared at him in amazement. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Pope's Court, Fleet Street." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, hardly wander." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "If I can be of use." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Because he was handy and would come cheap." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four trying to your nerves." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do crowd. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched charged with?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case problems help me to do so." and the colonel ushered me in. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A again on its way. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at to me. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I think that I could be of assistance to you." returning from some small jollification and was making his way has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from next day. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "My own seal." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Ah, but I was recommended to you." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but fear." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Munro.' Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to have got?" go from here to the Strand." that there was nothing in it, after all." 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 the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Eh? What was that?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain six. Come in!" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have had died away into the silence from which it rose. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "How on earth--" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Sutherland?" mysterious business." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every never will be, entirely cleared up. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to that open window." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing woman." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are have got?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND not personally threatened." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his derbies." "Never." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking pierced for earrings?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have sufficient punishment." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was His smile broadened. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" back alive. to that open window." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing