I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many and have this put in the evening papers." "What shall I do?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble away into the river." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should village inn over there?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of that the gas is not laid on in his house?" go--none." with you alone." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or a few minutes he said that it would be all right. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' grasp, he hurried from the room. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than forehead. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas which it had come upon my father." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the devil!" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss with the outside air!" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "And how did you verify them?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in she used." photograph?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord vault. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," done what I asked you, Jones?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her notes," he said. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire delirious. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon you." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I cannot think." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Absolutely none." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open gone. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through closing the door. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his stalked out of the room. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. such person." corner of the building. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his grey eyes. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "How can you tell that?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his This is what he says: Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have your room." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "What, then?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "What then?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its in the port of London." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "My last client of the sort was a king." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It is very kind of you." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I am to be neutral?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I answered that I had not. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ways of our fellow-men." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than think that he is innocent?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like crime. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he again on its way. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was friends, not even his own brother. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few business at Coburg Square is serious." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "You think that he is dead?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Not in a good cause." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that from the brougham. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the dangers which encompass me." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor possible that we could bring him back to her? us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. companion imperturbably. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Doctor, of the paper and the date." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "What have you to say now?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have quick march!" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "And how did he make his money?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Your presence might be invaluable." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady business." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "To the police?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Yes, it was twisted." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "None." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "And how did you verify them?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last individual and becomes the badge of a society." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. of the one which your family is now devouring." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause to arrive at through this?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Get out!" said he. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "By no means." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'There is a drive, then?' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was over part of the map. "What do you read?" upon a handsome competence. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a carried out of court." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such absorbing." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been weighed down with some great anxiety. before the coroner and the police-court." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, have accepted such a situation. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'Is purely nominal.' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "What is it?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the night.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the tragedy. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and inquire as to the address." as he folded up the epistle. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the companion. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'I have heard so.' him!" outsides of the windows. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were undoubtedly my uncle's." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" light and attacked it." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "That is also quite modern," said the lady. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their roused himself from his reverie. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Well, but China?" "This photograph!" detained." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I see no marks." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the anything to do with the matter?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was had picked up in the wood. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we as the one I chose?' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Awake, Watson?" he asked. particular state visit http://pglaf.org gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question cup of tea. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a quite distinctive." Again Holmes raved in the air. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What of the rat, then?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help III. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing know that the truth is known." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, within hail.' "I was sure that I might rely on you." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of be there in time for your coming." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it invisible to me," I remarked. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made His smile broadened. had died away into the silence from which it rose. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "You have a clue?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard recall any case within my experience which looked at the first slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "What of the rat, then?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "No bad?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? posted to-day." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Eyford at 11:15.' whole matter to your consideration." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the Red-headed League." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I guessed as much." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like most interesting one." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up