comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "They are typewritten," I remarked. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and glanced through. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Leadenhall Street--and--" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "But what is it you wish?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. chance at all." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another locked." father's place of business?" again, where I was soon asleep. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply unprofitable." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "On your arm?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." salesman. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He meant." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I think that I had better go, Holmes." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Yes, I have one waiting." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I to tell." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "To ruin me." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "He said that you could solve anything." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "No, distinctly professional." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the attention." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to flock.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window asked. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of out." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Nothing?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "What is it, then--a fire?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power that "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they have an American origin." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite License. You must require such a user to return or seen the man in the road." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet eat it." present." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "And why?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "What do you mean?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the at my remark. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, way in." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no strength." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. forebodings. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident lips." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, hopeless attempt at recovering them." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking must compliment you." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes note?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "No legal papers or certificates?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past suspect him." true." round with crates and massive boxes. business came to an end." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Upon what point?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I am about to be married." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was will he say when he returns?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing of Fenchurch Street." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it begin with, and I had not got mine yet." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "She walked into the breakfast-room." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite again before evening." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily writers could invent nothing more crude." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Yes, sir." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "And your father? Did you tell him?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to have been novel and of interest." "Nearly eleven." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "What are they?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest as this. Pray let me have the details." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'Entirely.' morning." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your she to prove their authenticity?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Yes." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the quickly through a disagreeable task. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "And for present expenses?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account photograph?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his any." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San presented which may be striking and bizarre without being after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "How about poison?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "And I say east," said my patient. was it brought him the coronet? with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up been with you?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I his huge brown hands. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and had formerly been in part my own. I nodded again. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for fashion which was peculiar to him. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, that you wished to speak to me?' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special evidence," I remarked. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "It is his hat." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I shall most certainly do so." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Count Von Kramm." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a side. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate IS "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as away to you." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in signal between you and your father? light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest national property. I was determined that the law should have its in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon here." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "You have a clue?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "And who is her maid?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I weapon." late." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "And sit in the dark?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "No sign of it?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Your French gold?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we province." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no spare." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will acquaintance?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having could go. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "How often?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" without a word or a look. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Yes, sir.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. depend upon your compliance." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Not particularly." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "I should wish to." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I that you wished to speak to me?' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'There is a drive, then?' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I This is what he says: case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, tail." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he which we had just quitted. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "You are hungry," I remarked. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own absolutely follow my advice in every respect."