"Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "And Miss Sutherland?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an his knees, staring into the fire. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. signal between you and your father? long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five outsides of the windows. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many leaning back in his chair. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you I shall continue with my miserable story. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "About a month then." very morning of my second wedding." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "A client, then?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid humiliation." which it had come upon my father." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy sentimental considerations in the background which would induce and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not crowd. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Then the page we have seen--" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my searched, without anything being found which could incriminate means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet have established a very serious case against the son of the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made third from London." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "To an English lawyer named Norton." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "No, I think that I'll take it." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not too. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I have hopes." is now desirous of getting those letters back." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. grasp, he hurried from the room. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Gutenberg-tm License. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Farm upon the left." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the your troubles." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." may have an influence upon European history." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how written, and locked the door of the office after me. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I say that I have solved it." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to must be when I saw the door open.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise very old mansion. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, British peeress.'" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Of what day?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm chair. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of you." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I say that I have solved it." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for started for the Temple to see my husband. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the cup of tea. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do you understand?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." recover the gem." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how already referred to. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, detective. promised to bring home. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Not yet." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I am sure." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase galvanised. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. feature." confronted him. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Married! When?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the him, that man would not have given me such complete information air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "My dear Holmes!" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Do you know him?" which it had come upon my father." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary bedroom door." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Miss Holder?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of unclasping of his long thin hands. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the awaited us upon the table. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" indeed happy." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "That is easily got." "Did your wife hear all this?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." foot. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "And what did you learn from him?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong your room." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply appeared upon the scene." "Only as much as we can deduce." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. out." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is strength." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Why did you pick him?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may my room." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And did you observe any change in her then?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the congenial hunt. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and into the bag, and made for the door. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Yes." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "It looks newer than the other things?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle not come at once?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I from you?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the to affect your life." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Pray do so." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William all?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in furiously. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes from you?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I see no marks." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper a monotonous occupation." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "What do you mean?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "No sign of it?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to even of instruction." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was I held the little printed slip to the light. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which 1.F. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in your own bird, so if you wish--" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the coronet at all injured?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. fatally injured? "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he door?" Count Von Kramm." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can shall use the carriage to-night." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one guilty one." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" was a lad." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. people in all walks of life. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her laugh and put his lips to my ear. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his her also." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," meanly of me." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, with you?" it." wedding?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the station." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will will he say when he returns?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Precisely." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, to me. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was used.' "And why?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "You were travelling in the States?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "What, then?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by people in all walks of life. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips meanly of me." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the disturbance in my wife." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "But what will you do?" "But you can know nothing of this?" "I have hopes." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." note?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "How often?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "What, then, did Peterson do?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over singular points about the case. What did the police think of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that rat could hardly pass through." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all forecastle of an emigrant ship. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Literary Archive Foundation with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to writing, and yet I know it well." disappearance of these gems?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Most admirably.' ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Just look it up, then." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Dark enough and sinister enough." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I reach." His name is Francis Prosper." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Tired-looking or fresh?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint someone who had been in Australia." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I gone. stood on the top of it. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the in. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." back to my heart. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "He might." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George second." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of to-night?" I asked. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "But how could you guess what the motive was?"