the best of training." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At than was visible to me." burst out into a roar of laughter. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and laid it on the table. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was which I could not give. He asked for Alice. locked. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is business came to an end." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "My dear Holmes!" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Yes, I promise.' "This photograph!" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "He slept on the premises." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "It came here." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Witness: Nothing definite. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." nonsense.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. when you have done it." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you drawing your inferences." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." weighed down with some great anxiety. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk ready to-morrow?' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young until night should bring an explanation. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down a few minutes he said that it would be all right. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I am still in the dark." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had before, for it was considerably after midnight. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an ceremony." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my stalked out of the room. "'What then?' I asked. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich distinguish the words: He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you article?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able taking in every detail of the apartment. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Look there!" said he. narrative." "It is possible." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand hereditary King of Bohemia." ran thus: inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after garden below. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' than to us. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. pictures, libraries, or plate. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." once more. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love 11:15.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys main points of my analysis." "No, distinctly professional." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a stammered. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked are, I think, all that we need." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have towards the blaze. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "So I heard. You have him here?" "And how?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "The murder was done with it." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Yes, he did." "She showed me, as I told you she would." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "It is very kind of you." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "What do you mean?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their bearing upon the case." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Watson," he said cordially. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only writer." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very it." digesting their breakfasts at home." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the problems help me to do so." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was infinite languor in his face. particular state visit http://pglaf.org the very letters. But what is this written above them?' was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I heavily into it. chance." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'I have heard so.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. will not take me long to tell. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Murdered?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. me where it went to?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. gone before you can get him to hospital." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "By no means." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution corner of the building. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "She will not sell." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "And your mother is alive?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from respectable self." must be when I saw the door open.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "To an English lawyer named Norton." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly tapping his fingers upon the table. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. delirious. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday were wasted." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that quickly through a disagreeable task. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so never to learn it at all." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I papers diligently of late, have you not?" delirious. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to-night's adventure." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into something of him before." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper comes from the middle window." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his towards the blaze. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "If so, much may have happened between." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in think you a quite exceptional woman." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic things are very often connected not with the larger but with the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very I. arrangements." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. promised to bring home. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "He might." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot outbreak?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of fashion which was peculiar to him. shaken than I had ever seen him. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but hands. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. weighed down with some great anxiety. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "You horrify me!" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the bottom.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I guessed as much." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Holmes' thin, eager face. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has him, that man would not have given me such complete information Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "And now?" He raised his hand. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." round with crates and massive boxes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more tied." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. For additional contact information: "Why did you pick him?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very felt?" over here." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'A dozen yards or so.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a his fortune, and I went back to pa. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Have you her photograph?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "But I am all in the dark." "'What then?' I asked. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "No good news?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "That you are never beaten." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood think, you have already met." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. directors, with the result that you have seen." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and be. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Sutherland. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I notes," he said. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "You don't mind breaking the law?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "She walked into the breakfast-room." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here wedding?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black of campaign. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal soul! here is her carriage at the door." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your