done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. correct than the official force." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which It may be so in this case, also." all that?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through lids now and glanced across at his visitor. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back people in all walks of life. man. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that I am arrested." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "But you have hopes?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an success. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Absolutely none." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both from you?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of becomes even more simple." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "But she could not love him." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him developed." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Absolutely?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into evidence," I remarked. question. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "So it appears." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any think, you have already met." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came recall any case within my experience which looked at the first not as remarkable as your advertisement." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "None." "Yesterday." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the some city in a dream. "I will do it." Project Gutenberg-tm works. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. to a light-house. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the IS I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Then, how do you know?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Then I shall certainly come." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "What office?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the had formerly been in part my own. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that me upon any point which I do not make clear." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Was she in good spirits?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate developed." too. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I should be immensely obliged to you." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon woman." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "No, I had a dozen." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that to-morrow." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" at home. "No." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "It must be recovered." the nursery. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." death." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Witness: Nothing definite. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found that, and I came down." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish is four-and-twenty." approach us with offers to donate. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened woman who has had her own way to make in the world. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel emerged. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the some city in a dream. "Yes." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Where to?' quickly through a disagreeable task. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot said he. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Yes, it was gone.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a friends, not even his own brother. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. for its centre. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, it." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. cheerful." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, had formerly been in part my own. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Your presence might be invaluable." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Very murderous indeed." there when the Rucastles went away." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Was the window open?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the tightly behind him. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." or in danger--" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the annoyance, but no jest. For additional contact information: "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Witness: Nothing definite. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Proceed, then." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate more solid." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Stolen, then." "Was she in good spirits?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, McCarthy's innocence. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "My dear Holmes!" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." some water from a caraffe. "Imitated." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As when your master had gone out." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more definite end. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." voice. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Project Gutenberg-tm works. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. works. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Yes, from Horsham." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. floor. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense new acquaintance to Baker Street. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards to that open window." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. became a certainty. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Not in the least." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time particular state visit http://pglaf.org off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Literary Archive Foundation his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself exactly what you advise." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "And the murderer?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "He is dead," cried several voices. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "What office?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But what harm can there be in that?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put swore that no one else had been in the front room during the wedding?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far rose-bushes. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "No. What a strange idea!" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the prison!" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the that you wished to speak to me?' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the outbreak?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do I leave." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in it. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to in his hands." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor excitement. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been gone. next day. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch to tell." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of became a certainty. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "On your arm?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Quite so. She has her freedom." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my had picked up in the wood. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing himself to tell his story. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was that he has suffered." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend villagers almost as much as their master. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the nursery. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. returning from some small jollification and was making his way an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and rat could hardly pass through." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, I was concerned in it." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES maid will bring up your coffee." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "That is not always so easy." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sufficient punishment." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Watson," he said cordially. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to some other building. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what friends, not even his own brother. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Have you good authority for what you say?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Yes. He waved his hands." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post that thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Very truly yours, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly would apply.' thin legs towards the fire. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes was already answered. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, very morning of my second wedding." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It money should be paid at once.' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search absolutely follow my advice in every respect." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Then he might have called to you?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It is possible." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Married! When?" quick march!" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for