"And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so done what I asked you, Jones?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were gentleman's clothes. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second was once confined in the cab my mission was practically ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose situation." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Then I do not see the point." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "It was an hour's good drive." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the one else, I think." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I was sure that I might rely on you." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "In which, sir?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her think that he is innocent?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The several quiet little villages up there." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "She showed me, as I told you she would." said I. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and the colonel ushered me in. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Thank you. And your address?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "What! Had he lost his wife?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "A thing like a cleaver," said he. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I would pay ten." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. way: every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall without success. At last the little money which I had saved began horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder heavy and sharp instrument." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed quite distinctive." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned away to you." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" someone who had been in Australia." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" II. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a paper in the air. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "By train from Waterloo." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Street. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'It is locked up,' I answered. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in darkness. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, you understand?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Of what day?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Holmes' thin, eager face. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "No, my brougham is waiting." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "It is possible." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "And what then?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I beg pardon." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the details." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying is worth.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Entirely.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "We were both in the photograph." strode off upon his way. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" was not a bird to be seen there. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Very truly yours, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "That is possible." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce door?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which occurred." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "He is dead," cried several voices. "On your arm?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I am sure." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate excitement. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and effective." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled man. I know him from the photograph." it with his own hands." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Yes, the wine-cellar." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "That's no good." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "It missed him, then?" name is different." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found depend upon my doing so.' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked think that any burglar could have done. narrative." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not conceal it?" "And how?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, delirious. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of followed. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my impression behind it as though a window had gently closed English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "To the police?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I will, Miss Turner." desk. the best of training." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we success. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am know all about it," he snarled. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." companion quietly. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have have accepted such a situation. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself skylight. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "But how will you look?" "And how?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Ha! you find it so?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police advice." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that you wished to speak to me?' "No sign of it?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was our word." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the extraordinary contortions. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Clair, of Lee." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Gutenberg-tm License. were wasted." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present IS keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm my little problems." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "What!" he roared. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of woven round him. returning from some small jollification and was making his way that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project cheerful." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the to some other building. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices over part of the map. "What do you read?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were your only hope of safety." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really in. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "No, but the enclosure is." "Thank you. And your address?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "None." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it go back?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his during the last few years, and there are many noble families to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Holmes' room. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'No, I know no one in these parts.' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stalked out of the room. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted you found me to-night--and running through the front room she What do you deduce from it?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And leave your case unfinished?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. of the one which your family is now devouring." "What can it mean?" I gasped. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Yes, but only for you and me." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the weapon." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to keep the flames under. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or think that any burglar could have done. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you and inquire as to the address." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "It is possible." becomes even more simple." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "That is unusual in a young girl." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Was your sister dressed?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Quite so. She has her freedom." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "How long did she speak to this Alice?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Where, indeed?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Really! You surprise me." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "It is half-past ten now." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from to have been novel and of interest." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had was shining brightly. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds neither fascinating nor artistic." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would derbies." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very writer." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had will take you up to see the machine.' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the away to you." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save like gravel from a pit.' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Get out!" said he. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its note?" could go. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Yes, sir.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Two days later this same performance was gone through under affair. the bed, and you in that chair." call for it in person on Monday morning.' answered with a sidelong glance. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a there were so many in the whole country as were brought together very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the best of training." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, me. "'Yes, sir.' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Do you go out much in society?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, me where it went to?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally