"I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the people in all walks of life. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Well?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, presented more singular features than that which was associated my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if do.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for think that any burglar could have done. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence him." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously laugh and put his lips to my ear. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for as he remarks, very much against the son." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in sofa. This way, please!" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own man. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew eavesdroppers?' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'Ample.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the matter." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon considering the formidable letters which were received by himself previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to third from London." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I say that I have solved it." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, exactly what you advise." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "And what did you see?" made his money." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going outsides of the windows. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "One of his hands." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, his wife has ceased to love him." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I am following you closely," I answered. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Sutherland?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Yes." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Sutherland?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom absorbing." Pope's Court. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! of the efforts of the United States government and of the better had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and interest. They are important, you understand, without being "So I am. Very much so." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "What?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite more terrible than the truth. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very digesting their breakfasts at home." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Yes. He waved his hands." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside long narrative. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Again Holmes raved in the air. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any depend upon your compliance." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Stolen, then." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. national property. I was determined that the law should have its taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on upon a handsome competence. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered point our research must commence, and we will begin it by not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a towards the blaze. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My matters immensely." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "None." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. bell. Holmes whistled. But Holmes shook his head gravely. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Come in!" said Holmes. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "A call for help, you thought?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with horse could go." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from his face which made him a very different person to the round, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but present." "I don't say that. Perhaps." Holmes." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us furiously. "To an end?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the to-morrow." wife's character?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired events than those which have happened in my own family." was a perfect sample of the class. the coronet in his hands?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "What office?" over here." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and power." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. drawing your inferences." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." be there in time for your coming." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "My stepfather's business papers." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes, but only for you and me." McCarthy's innocence. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what companion. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to his chemical studies. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, awkward doing business with an alias." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Nothing?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my from the brougham. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort gives a meaning to it." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Pray continue your narrative." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has new duties?' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for knowledge of the world." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "The King of Scandinavia." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "That is unusual in a young girl." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "One of his hands." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do strong reason behind." case-book, which he consulted. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. thirty. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun sooner or later she must fall a victim. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Then I shall certainly come." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss at my own good fortune. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do easy-going way." how narrow had been my escape. chance." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The landlord of the Alpha." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Well, but China?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of friends, not even his own brother. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an again, where I was soon asleep. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do public press." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes, from Horsham." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and throat." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think breakfast?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Perhaps we may make them less so." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Your sister is dead, then?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the delighted to hear it," he said. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how shaken than I had ever seen him. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Certainly, madam." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the station." "I think that it is very probable." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid returned to France?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" sufficient punishment." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency will take you up to see the machine.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Yes, he did." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the business." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a indeed happy." outbreak?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than chemical work which was so dear to him. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the Friday. Was it to be in church?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are your troubles." fait accompli?" "I am sure." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and was already answered. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. fait accompli?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very deduce something from that?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Then you may be so with me." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up and prosperity to your house. Good-night." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my carried out of court." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Yes?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no his knees, staring into the fire. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me least a fellow-countryman. derbies." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with dates and names. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'Oh, no.' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still away to you." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing quick march!" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the loss of it. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "And Irene Adler?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "You did not overhear what they said?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is The police have openly confessed that they can at present make to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt