I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the returned to France?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others is worth.' "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do standing smiling on the door-step. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE written, and locked the door of the office after me. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of The events in question occurred in the early days of my following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in light and attacked it." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Holmes. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." away to you." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not companion quietly. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must for securing the situation." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter business in the City. She little knew what. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One arrangements." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" opened the door, and slipped through. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I will not look." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Edgeware Road. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the ceiling. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is suddenly upon us." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official secret." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much again, where I was soon asleep. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and it need not interfere very much with one's other pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "You were travelling in the States?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fled together." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what jewels which you have stolen?' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to thin legs towards the fire. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a horse could go." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of been able to understand it, in a very few words. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Miss Holder?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but acted in my house last night?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Yes, certainly." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has I shall continue with my miserable story. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and laid it on the table. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the meant it for the best. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here help us in this matter." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "And Miss Sutherland?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? suspect him." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "How on earth--" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And you thought he was pulled back?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'In my own bureau.' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea that he will be back before evening." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned test if we have an answer to our advertisement." which are rolled in Rotterdam." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." some terrible trap for her." "How did you trace it, then?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "My stepfather's business papers." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit McCarthy." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "But to whom?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." sufficient punishment." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton ill-usage at the hands of fortune. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes, that is the Crown." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn over with notes and figures. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "It is his hat." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into voice. believe that I should never have any practice at all. hard-headed British jury." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Holmes, the busybody!" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, tell him that I know him to be innocent." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey of note-paper. It read in this fashion: course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." know what is wrong with it.' several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And very old mansion. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Why did you beat the pavement?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length chance." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What! Had he lost his wife?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to reach." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Again Holmes raved in the air. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "You were travelling in the States?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that visitors." directors, with the result that you have seen." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Holmes' face clouded over. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that tell them apart.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between business in the City. She little knew what. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "It is very clear." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the both be extremely obliged.' depend upon your compliance." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Entirely.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "But how?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. chill to my heart. to have that photograph." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "At what time?" tail." shall not find me ungrateful." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty your most interesting statement." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for present." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'No, I know no one in these parts.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "And is that all?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'I am sure that I do not know.' room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "What can it mean?" I gasped. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried keep the flames under. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the present." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either standing smiling on the door-step. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer highroad, where all traces were lost. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was straighten it?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the will take you up to see the machine.' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "By no means." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "But how?" this Miss Turner." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Not particularly." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my felt?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and that he would see to anything that turned up. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was place of silver." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door not interfere, come what may. You understand?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his guilty parties." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, his grey eyes. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm village inn over there?" to me. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you place of silver." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the me." problems help me to do so." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Was there a secret marriage?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is long narrative. companion. the coronet in his hand?" "I see no marks." chance at all." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." infinite languor in his face. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Stolen!' he cried. "I am still in the dark." in a very precise fashion." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I should wish to." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster once more. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hopeless attempt at recovering them." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'Quite sure, dad.' "Very murderous indeed." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Why serious?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that that, and I came down." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At directors have had misgivings upon the subject." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Count Von Kramm." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No, but the enclosure is." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, place no limit on the sum I may draw." that you wished to speak to me?' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I my former friend and companion. even so self-evident a thing as that." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I sufficient punishment." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of carpenter." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We confronted him. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking your troubles." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "What do you make of that, Watson?" "My dear Holmes!" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Yes, it was twisted." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. you?' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad you." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Did he not advertise?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight read over the extraordinary announcement. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their must be when I saw the door open.' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a only touch the interest." read it out to me." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of formed some opinion?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions empty. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "How often?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing his knees, staring into the fire. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no security.' "What of the rat, then?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "We were both in the photograph." relief. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the anything to a woman, for she would have her way."