the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you matters immensely." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" against a man in the prime of life?" father's place of business?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your was used.' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in http://gutenberg.net/license). leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "This photograph!" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help closely." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Did your wife hear all this?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that might help us?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before husband's writing, madam." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "And Irene Adler?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, three fields round his house, and there he would take his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would done what I asked you, Jones?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us through." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of walking." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when pity, because in other respects you would really have done very order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "How do you know, then?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Did he not advertise?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Of Friday, June 19th." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Always." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to morning." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that man. I know him from the photograph." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I don't say that. Perhaps." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I see many objections to any such theory." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. little trying to do so much typewriting?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Yes, it was gone.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." formed some opinion?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "That is not always so easy." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles you, my dear young lady?' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'In my own bureau.' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To stammered. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its side. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must depend upon my doing so.' there!' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "The King of Scandinavia." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "None." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." him to go away.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the conduct the inquiry." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Not I." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "That was it, sir." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "It came here." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he said Mr. Holder. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to horse could go." in the port of London." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal in the port of London." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both what do you think they found in the pockets?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get again." "Then I can wait in the next room." Holmes' face clouded over. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local woman who has had her own way to make in the world. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at fishes. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to ventilator." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Dirty?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' chamber." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Entirely." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Of what day?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "What then?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "She will not sell." foot. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' father's place of business?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "10th. John Swain cleared. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But his lameness?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what suddenly upon us." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I will not look." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. do." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your forehead. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself bears upon the case?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "'Certainly,' I answered. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson true." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any morning." against a man in the prime of life?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should suddenly upon us." morning." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp laugh and put his lips to my ear. "And how did you find out?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Precisely so. But how--" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some signal between you and your father? style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Very. But will he see it?" sufficient punishment." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. way: said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my unprecedented a position." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying four million human beings all jostling each other within the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will conversation I have gathered that they have been married about that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. a room. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "And what did you learn from him?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we persecution?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from that there was nothing in it, after all." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Then what has happened to him?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the driver. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the ceiling. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, I held the little printed slip to the light. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the room while you explain this matter?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You horrify me!" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "So I heard. You have him here?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's this Miss Turner." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no key of the affair now." "And help." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been without a word or a look. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a approach us with offers to donate. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that this Miss Turner." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Have you it here?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a there has been an enclosure here!" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." think you a quite exceptional woman." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." more terrible than the truth. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Why serious?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he drove away. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "An accident, I presume?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I see no marks." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and a shock of very red hair. here." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do fatally injured? "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." strong and stiff." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" know all about it," he snarled. very old mansion. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." crowd. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both I shall continue with my miserable story. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I have hopes." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical joking. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?"