"He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "What will you do, then?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "On Monday." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "But who is he?" "My dear Holmes!" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey handed it to him. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." ways of our fellow-men." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they anything to a woman, for she would have her way." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was meant it for the best. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Watson," he said cordially. you." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. asked with his eyes open. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Did your wife hear all this?" been." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last where she found matters as described by the last witness. papers." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I him!" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "We were both in the photograph." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most directors have had misgivings upon the subject." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should his knees, staring into the fire. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that I may have something better before very many minutes are had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for as this. Pray let me have the details." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg business matters.' for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I answered that I had not. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your thin, with a long, sharp nose?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. think that he is innocent?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I am sure." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Then I am your man." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the stepfather?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "An accident, I presume?" "Will you go?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Your presence might be invaluable." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Only as much as we can deduce." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And how did he make his money?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in power." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. asked. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless This is what he says: property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I you for a few hours?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day furiously. suddenly upon us." sooner or later she must fall a victim. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Absolutely none." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what round with crates and massive boxes. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Yes, certainly." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while events than those which have happened in my own family." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the pound a week." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his upon the shelf for the interim." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own British peeress.'" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "'Never,' said I. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and effective." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do matter." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance have had none more fantastic than this." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was gives a meaning to it." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked guilty one." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept your only hope of safety." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank that you saw all that I did." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most seen the man in the road." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through wedding?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Yes." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they galvanised. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous your co-operation." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate success. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the said I. showing my impatience. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, it would be as well." you." bird of prey. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of long narrative. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a there when the Rucastles went away." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." bird I ate is country bred." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few into the bag, and made for the door. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." instituted." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by as he folded up the epistle. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Entirely." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk cigars in the box." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry was shining brightly. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a purpose equally well?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And your mother is alive?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a felt?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can bearing upon the case." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here straightened it out again. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, done what I asked you, Jones?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power must be when I saw the door open.' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being will take you up to see the machine.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that I can to serve you." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always leave you to your papers for a little." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to-night?" I asked. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good feature." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the driver. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Game for a morning drive?" Chief Executive and Director All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "But his left-handedness." secret." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Was he the only applicant?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A The events in question occurred in the early days of my half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I would pay ten." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "From his hat?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase wife's character?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the relief. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Pray do so." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked he bowed and left the room without another word. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of union?" been." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend that he has suffered." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in this way: daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Then you may be so with me." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "He said that you could solve anything." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal opened a pocket-book and took out a note. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his overpowering excitement and concern. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less generous with you in money matters.' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Witness: I must still refuse. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried gentleman's clothes. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "What have you to say now?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his your troubles." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "On your arm?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the train.' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug lumber-room." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the King without delay." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my throat." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our used to be." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "My dear Holmes!" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself thin, with a long, sharp nose?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' your troubles." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his will not take me long to tell. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, charged with?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of and no precautions can guard against." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "In which, sir?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a whole matter to your consideration." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the house with me." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her whole matter to your consideration." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you experiences." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of a light. look upon these things in a different way." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in too. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece his huge brown hands. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, weapon." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as people don't know." "Eh? What was that?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the already referred to. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that he will be back before evening." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "The Coroner: What do you mean? whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time tell them apart.' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the Friday. Was it to be in church?" fait accompli?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the just called myself is not exactly my own." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock