you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of crackling voice. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat official police." "And Miss Sutherland?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him hands. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly business." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Eyford." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'How far from the body?' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the possible that we could bring him back to her? "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds weary and pale-looking. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as voice. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Entirely." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Of what day?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman tail." have established a very serious case against the son of the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. mysterious end." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in which should have the effect of calling the attention of the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old what these perils are?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "What then?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of formed some opinion?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure upon the shelf for the interim." learned something! Where are the gems?" "How did you trace it, then?" as he remarks, very much against the son." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A of the vacancies.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could been." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to take care of herself." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had dear old homesteads?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" would then never go into court at all." wall." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "By all means." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. might have a private word with us. the devil!" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And what then?" Pool. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the of receipt of the work. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual lost nothing by them." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the least a fellow-countryman. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Ha! you find it so?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake you in your example." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there light and attacked it." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a standing smiling on the door-step. "And why?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Yes, certainly." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "And the cigar-holder?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Which are?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." his wife has ceased to love him." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I was afraid that you were engaged." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the very morning of the wedding." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Holmes' room. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "And what did you see?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our made his money." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "And that is--" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can this remarkable episode. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "No, finished." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a young Openshaw's." feature." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "We have tried and failed." affection." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "By train from Waterloo." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though unprecedented a position." sake, don't!" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "And how?" it." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open directors, with the result that you have seen." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Pope's Court. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Why, what do you mean?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Well?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I came to find a friend." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the made his money." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" into the room. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special what these perils are?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever forbidden door. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Why? What do you mean?" Have you good authority for what you say?" questioning and rather startled gaze. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with horse could go." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had deduce something from that?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "'Yes, sir.' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." was keenly on my guard against him. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the this Miss Turner." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Eyford." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first it." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old beyond words. highly," said Holmes. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up certainly do as you advise." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the this poor creature." evidence," I remarked. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at indeed happy." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil not as remarkable as your advertisement." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "To an end?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Yes, all." occurred." which our visitor detailed to us. "To an English lawyer named Norton." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but again." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly question," said Holmes, smiling. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. a little more before I quite committed myself. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, gives a meaning to it." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "What then?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "You will not go there first?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with stepfather?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that himself to hunt down. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Where is it, then?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've gentleman's clothes. the south-west, I see." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "And it is--" the coroner come to?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "How did you trace it, then?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and sneer upon his pale face. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. said I. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a I am not easy in my mind about them." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and prosperity to your house. Good-night." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. again." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. there is a decided draught." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be to take care of herself." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the a good hundred miles off by now." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with fatally injured? opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in criminal. We have already had experience of such." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" been deceived." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" union?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried London for the present?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "And now?" He raised his hand. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you people in all walks of life. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. away to you." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts