is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "The gentleman I describe." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." eat it." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found redistribution. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "No bad?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." public press." at a side door. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in appeared upon the scene." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Thank you. And your address?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and just ask you whether you had heard it.' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. to a more successful conclusion." London for the present?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and inquire as to the address." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "And your father? Did you tell him?" so far?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is power." about. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Well?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "To the police?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the coroner come to?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Then I can wait in the next room." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my redistribution. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "But she could not love him." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the to some other building. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and glanced through. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that threaten you." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and laid it on the table. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a been deceived." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs flock.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "A call for help, you thought?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the nursery. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. soul! here is her carriage at the door." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left who was a member of your goose club." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." newspaper selections." money should be paid at once.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "But she could not love him." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "What then?" strength." I leave." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "You have the photograph?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Was the window open?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his horse could go." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at flock.' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to not personally threatened." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "You saw the ventilator, too?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "But it has twice been burgled." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And how?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "One of the highest in England." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my throat." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "But his lameness?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the south-west, I see." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "It is possible." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I will get her to show me." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Watson," he said cordially. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It is his hat." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in his hands." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the secret." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. least a most suspicious remark." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "What is it, then--a fire?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter fat-encircled eyes. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Game for a morning drive?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party taking in every detail of the apartment. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' might have a private word with us. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "In heaven's name, what for?" galvanised. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only you." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "My own seal." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, himself. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his heavily into it. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Ten to two.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Because he was handy and would come cheap." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished experiences." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. on in his house." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you very old mansion. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, notes," he said. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight help us in this matter." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their putting in the horse. even so self-evident a thing as that." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, come either from the window or the door. My attention was base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'How far from the body?' hurried by. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I some city in a dream. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. he bowed and left the room without another word. "Texas, I think." "And sit in the dark?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "You have compromised yourself seriously." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for leave you to your papers for a little." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you must be when I saw the door open.' And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, mysterious business." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "On Monday." fear." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Seven!" I answered. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need is a common subject for conversation. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself room. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin said I. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost lips." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, least a most suspicious remark." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Come in!" said Holmes. success. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "How often?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the inquest, and which are worth considering." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to a light-house. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." joking. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "We must have a cab." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "The murder was done with it." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of 11:15.' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a astonishment. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, chair. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you it with his own hands." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to have been novel and of interest." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an little adventures." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "What, then, did Peterson do?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Yes, at the mines." society." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "At the wedding breakfast." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon enter into my head. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an intrusion of other matters." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Why, what do you mean?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards later, upon the night of May 2nd." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to away to you." in one or two places in England?' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You don't mind breaking the law?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "And Miss Sutherland?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the his knees, staring into the fire. you understand?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to my former friend and companion. memory. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Yes." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police words came to my lips. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Where did you address your letters, then?" the coronet in his hands?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Then he might have called to you?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "No, I am descending." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "What are they?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing you." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Could he throw no light?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Nearly eleven." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, to a light-house. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "What have you done?" asked Holmes. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "The Coroner: What do you mean? of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." south, for the country is more deserted there." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Did your wife hear all this?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn death." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Munro.' hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided