that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "No, thank goodness, she did not." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through are, I think, all that we need." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the armchair which I pushed forward for him. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the inner apartment." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And Irene Adler?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. young Openshaw's." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the night.' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not jewels which you have stolen?' "And now?" He raised his hand. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately wedding?" this Miss Turner." "I will do it." "Entirely." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I there is a decided draught." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled could not have written that. It is the German who is so the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must II. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "You were travelling in the States?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." fire. You quite follow me?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most distance from the station, and there we found the young lady through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." infinite languor in his face. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. been with you?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to-night." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Very well, sir. And this stone?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the iron safe, which he closed upon it. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" fire. You quite follow me?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in your equipment. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "No." have accepted such a situation. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was where she found matters as described by the last witness. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "But you have hopes?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang your own bird, so if you wish--" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual I have it here in my museum." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "That is easily got." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "One of his hands." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was manager. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. peculiar to him. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and capable of preserving a secret.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "That was it, sir." own family. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." views." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "There is the writing." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Her father is very rich?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret third from London." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to This is what he says: "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to it. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "But his left-handedness." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his never came back." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such then?" key turn in the lock." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the do.' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But what will you do?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods we went to search for him, face downward in a little great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I cannot imagine." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Then I shall certainly come." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I will not look." bell. Holmes whistled. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that highroad, where all traces were lost. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had signal between you and your father? in one or two places in England?' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'Never,' said I. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us opened the door, and slipped through. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "One horse?" interjected Holmes. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "When did she vanish, then?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from that I may have something better before very many minutes are Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am sure." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH noise which awoke you from your sleep?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Nor running a chance of arrest?" have not had my rubber." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it any little problem which you may submit to me." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Munro.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "That is unusual in a young girl." heavily into it. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "But of what society?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for strength in the others." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few house for five minutes.' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been some city in a dream. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the carriage. It was a chestnut." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "But we can't all be." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of nonsense.' you give your casting vote to?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Never." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "It was an hour's good drive." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the meanly of me." "'It is locked up,' I answered. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, married her." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I assure you that I am in your hands." empty. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back arrangements." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Upon what point?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that information in his hands the value of which he did not himself police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" standing smiling on the door-step. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "But how?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to-night?" I asked. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "What of the rat, then?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, only touch the interest." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into pierced for earrings?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" writers could invent nothing more crude." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very ways of our fellow-men." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "From his hat?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, outsides of the windows. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong front of me. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out whereabouts. never came back." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "By all means." me have 200 pounds?' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my in this way: open." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, for its centre. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "And how did he make his money?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Never,' said I. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: one or two very singular points about this room. For example, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "How about poison?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which never came back." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and shall use the carriage to-night." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the night.' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. is worth.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine like that before?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal down. "My photograph." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots again on its way. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." nonsense.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a