was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon affection." handed it to him. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, think you a quite exceptional woman." "Witness: Nothing definite. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he died? felt the room to be a little close.' He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'Certainly not. But why?' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy nothing of it?" "I am about to be married." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. mystery." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I quick march!" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly what is your own theory as to what took place?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And help." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but examination of the premises, but without finding anything which left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "But she will refuse." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. mysterious end." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? hands. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I fear not." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "To the police?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Mary, has deserted me." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I don't say that. Perhaps." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden papers on the sundial.'" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was answer." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining you for a few hours?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "'Oh, no.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'Certainly not. But why?' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the his cane at the bell-pull. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Clair, of Lee." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need lips." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "How often?" with you alone." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since girl said." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Was there a secret marriage?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We right! Sit down and let us talk it over." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all obstinate." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "But his left-handedness." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the know that the truth is known." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted which it had come upon my father." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest grasp, he hurried from the room. them present such singular features as the strange train of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard security.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a events than those which have happened in my own family." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest there were one or two details which were new to me. But the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the tragedy. make me his representative both with the servants and with the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever ceremony." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "So I have heard." his forehead." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should come either from the window or the door. My attention was was not a bird to be seen there. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Then I am your man." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Which are?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "And I to find an enemy." fled together." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The hurried by. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from galvanised. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "And what then?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly shadow pass over his face as I spoke. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting were wasted." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Seven!" I answered. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Pool. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship think that any burglar could have done. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, call it cruel." business." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But standing smiling on the door-step. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Yes, I promise.' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be mysterious end." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It returning from some small jollification and was making his way part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the other, as fresh and trim as possible. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough enough to aid us in our search." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I have a cab outside." "Will you go?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Murdered?" "That is unusual in a young girl." acted in my house last night?" to miss it." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Yes, I promise.' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the looking up at the numbers of the houses." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Where does the thing come from?' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "It looks newer than the other things?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried from you?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had them, and came down just as you departed. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is there has been an enclosure here!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to tell them apart.' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project public press." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had more solid." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked again, where I was soon asleep. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I should be immensely obliged to you." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Why did you pick him?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "10th. John Swain cleared. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'I have heard so.' to a light-house. me. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I am in hopes that she does." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be developed." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his him." Munro.' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in seven miles from Eyford Station.' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "No." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. but preventing her from injuring another. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little is acting for the best. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the devil!" asked. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Do you know him?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than pity, because in other respects you would really have done very fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and a shock of very red hair. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a chemical work which was so dear to him. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. any." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the one as in the other." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his business in the City. She little knew what. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Perhaps I have." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was British peeress.'" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Where, then?" was used.' "'Very good.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One suddenly upon us." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in some terrible trap for her." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "In the cells." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of McCarthy's innocence. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Proceed, then." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I have come for advice." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those some mystery and the punishment of some crime." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her as yours." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "He disappeared so suddenly." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Street. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it you?' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round way in." way: do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "But of what society?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Leave Paddington by the 11:15." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a his huge brown hands. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'There is a drive, then?' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for