1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, friend's singular character. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hurried by. one's self under obligations.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And you don't know his address?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily goes." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and conduct the inquiry." "To an English lawyer named Norton." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "How did that help you?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Certainly not. But why?' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had allusion to a rat. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from ran thus: the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I don't say that. Perhaps." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Indeed! Whose, then?" sound at heart." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Then you may be so with me." to arrive at through this?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Not yet." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Yes, at the mines." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: eavesdroppers?' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "There is the writing." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Did you observe the colour?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the think that he is innocent?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." you came in." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring too. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Perhaps we may make them less so." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my important." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable house for five minutes.' autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "How are you getting on?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Edgeware Road. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may other means.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards if I call to-morrow?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to go into your room and bar your shutters?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who lumber-room." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would started for the Temple to see my husband. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not papers diligently of late, have you not?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Witness: It was. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Was the window open?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that?' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "It is his hat." Clair, of Lee." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "At what time?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and felt the room to be a little close.' DISSOLVED. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and started for the Temple to see my husband. "But how will you look?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has side. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do of Mr. Rucastle's." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I cannot say that I have." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Count Von Kramm." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got papers." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and I shall be with you presently." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate my room." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on chance." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my companion. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double will he say when he returns?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "And leave your case unfinished?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed wedding?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Then I do not see the point." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary felt the room to be a little close.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do green of the new foliage. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "When did it break out?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "So I heard. You have him here?" "But he might be a bachelor." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the Red-headed League." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'Where could I find him?' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I tapping his fingers upon the table. had picked up in the wood. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I answered that I had not. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our politicians who had been sent down from the North. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Absolutely none." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is possible." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal more solid." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out following enigmatical notices: more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "That is unusual in a young girl." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm answer." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has our word." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Nothing." notes," he said. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure sentimental considerations in the background which would induce With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the on in his house." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just into the room. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "None." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some with some details as to your case." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew conduct the inquiry." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began union?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to assist you in forming an opinion." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "An enemy?" gives a meaning to it." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a it." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "A call for help, you thought?" "I see many objections to any such theory." "Seven!" I answered. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to-night." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can companion. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater how narrow had been my escape. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a hardly wander." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "How can you tell that?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly whereabouts. "Then I shall certainly come." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, For additional contact information: the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, should be taken.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their bed dies. Does not that strike you?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, morning." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall go from here to the Strand." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "No sign of it?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Stolen, then." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, here and I will read it to you: had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "She will not sell." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Chief Executive and Director which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this direction." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after not within a twentieth part of the market price." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "We must have a cab." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the that you wished to speak to me?' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "In San Francisco, a year ago." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is a murder, then?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." down. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and she used." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "How do you know, then?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the before the coroner and the police-court." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." held up the lantern and gazed about him. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "And Irene Adler?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes enter into my head. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by like gravel from a pit.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this there when the Rucastles went away." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I beg pardon." little trying to do so much typewriting?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough unprofitable." "'Then let me do so?' During two years I have had three consultations and one small Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that envelope. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "It surprised me." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of that you can jump it.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you all-comprehensive glances. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a yet." little adventures." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." read over the extraordinary announcement. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." whole matter to your consideration." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of woman." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" astonishment. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I