provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. DAMAGE. "Where, indeed?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of chill to my heart. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to colonel looking down at me. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you goes." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in would apply.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the house with me." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as again before evening." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, from the brougham. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the house with me." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Yes." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "None." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had in his hands." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out breakfast and whispered something to her husband. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and woman." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a respectable self." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he directors, with the result that you have seen." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It certainly sounds feasible." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I think that it is very probable." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the important." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide politicians who had been sent down from the North. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical chance." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to if I call to-morrow?" http://gutenberg.net/license). his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." remarked. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Nothing." "And how have you succeeded?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "And help." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "He is dead," cried several voices. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only tell him that I know him to be innocent." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he been." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his sake, don't!" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, will be renamed. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The will he say when he returns?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My that I may have something better before very many minutes are wall." "What I expected to see." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Not particularly." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, best detective that ever lived. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful pictures, libraries, or plate. prison!" Mary, has deserted me." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship other, as fresh and trim as possible. washing it down with a long draught of water. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "She told me to ask you." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. an introduction to him?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to you." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be eat it." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the bell. Holmes whistled. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." I held the little printed slip to the light. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "And is that all?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the it." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. whole matter to your consideration." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Dark enough and sinister enough." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the look dissatisfied." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do spare." without a word or a look. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to writer." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Really! You surprise me." Watson," he said cordially. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to ways of our fellow-men." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So of your young ladies.' success. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "That also I could fathom." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to miss it." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the clanging. "'I have already given you my word.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "It is to him that this trophy belongs." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative call it cruel." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished hour." good-night and bustled off upon her way. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "'Is 4 pounds a week.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of hopeless attempt at recovering them." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "No, distinctly professional." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the brandy and water within his reach. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, despaired of." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one here." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. six. Come in!" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 which was all perfectly true. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Bought." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick hard-headed British jury." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "So I am. Very much so." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Stolen." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others within hail.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "In which, sir?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to miss it." the Red-headed League." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of miles off. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Then, as to money?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "And why?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the inquest, and which are worth considering." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Why that?' I asks. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of other means.' "You were travelling in the States?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I success. morning." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "I am in hopes that she does." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even round with crates and massive boxes. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." one of the states of the Union." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "His face fell immediately. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, is four-and-twenty." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. might help us?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "She told me to ask you." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Pray do so." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? brain must have something in it." But Holmes shook his head gravely. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a child?' Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "What have you to say now?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, wedding?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could tear off another piece?' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At at a side door. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I am still in the dark." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his way in everything. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which felt?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman past. eat it." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "At what time?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with orange pips. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting fuss that is made over them." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard be sorry for having acted so harshly." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was about here speaks of his kindness to him." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were of it with the greatest attention. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I good for you to do.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Nothing?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, fasten all the windows?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his there was no need for father to know." call you and give you the chance." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Here?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Holmes rather sternly. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which not within a twentieth part of the market price." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I into the bag, and made for the door. coat-tails." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must business at Coburg Square is serious." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It is a murder, then?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. away to you." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug third from London." "And who is her maid?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'What would be the hours?' I asked. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the sneer upon his pale face. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the putting in the horse. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that manager. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it exactly what you advise." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Countess of Morcar's?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That felt the room to be a little close.' our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, it means?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hour." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him girl said." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I way in everything. "And what did you learn from him?" true." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect vault. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. very old mansion. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'You cannot say what it was?' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without business came to an end." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I came to find a friend." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Eh? What was that?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Countess of Morcar's?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Why? What do you mean?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I am sure." quite distinctive." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the back alive. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and gbnewby@pglaf.org crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm residence of the great financier. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to wedding?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "But what will you do?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and chair. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that