hardly wander." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Very truly yours, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "And it is--" "I should like to see him very much." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to what is your own theory as to what took place?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" might have a private word with us. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, wanted for ourselves." do you make of it all?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Not social, then?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'Certainly not.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, said I. tell them apart.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab been deceived." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Yes." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would it were putty." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He started for the Temple to see my husband. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I should wish to." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is me have 200 pounds?' "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." putting in the horse. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he my secret was safe in his possession. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'It is locked up,' I answered. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring three of the beryls in it, was missing. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project once more on the important position which you have been fortunate from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer for its centre. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ran thus: she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I shall communicate with you." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea yet." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." unprofitable." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'I have already given you my word.' miles off. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that man. I know him from the photograph." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke strange features which were associated with the two crimes which misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and wait." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though subject to the trademark license, especially commercial will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I and effective." where we are going." "Where did he live, then?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." conceal it?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. bare slabs of marble. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the best of training." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and no precautions can guard against." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and the whole place is in a blaze." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' legal crime." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "You have carte blanche." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. leaning back in his chair. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Who by?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his papers must be those that are destroyed.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or questionable one." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, and I shall be with you presently." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with following enigmatical notices: as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "No." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had putting in the horse. "Of Friday, June 19th." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you cost them two and thirty pounds." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the stable lane now." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking green of the new foliage. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness records." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. are windows in it, of course?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to I have it here in my museum." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and instituted." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "It surprised me." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, true." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Who was the criminal, then?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I will get her to show me." society." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her were wasted." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, a suggestive one." of Fenchurch Street." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook business matters.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away think that he is innocent?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set what these perils are?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "But your client--" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where me. You must get home instantly and act." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. to have been novel and of interest." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and most interesting one." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and which was all perfectly true. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding there when the Rucastles went away." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Not him." locked." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Where is it, then?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Which surely he restored to their owner?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can very morning of my second wedding." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you chambers. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "How many? I don't know." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the carriage. It was a chestnut." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Not at all. I only doubt--' colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Street. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' towards the blaze. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "He is dead," cried several voices. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us throat." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "And your mother is alive?" death." know what is wrong with it.' "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Proceed, then." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." man. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a evidence," I remarked. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her one of the states of the Union." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's peculiar to him. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say recover the gem." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'And the work?' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "My dear Holmes!" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the John Swain, of St. Augustine. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "To ruin me." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of results." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the dangers which encompass me." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "But what will you do?" deduce something from that?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat down from London to inquire more deeply into it." seven miles from Eyford Station.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that happened." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to questioning and rather startled gaze. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she shaken than I had ever seen him. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to-night?" I asked. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Very much so." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "None. Neville wrote those words." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting or in danger--" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Sutherland?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Have you it here?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. good-night and bustled off upon her way. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their to take care of herself." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul