goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates furiously. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, remarked. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, I held the little printed slip to the light. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Sutherland. "But we can't all be." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between tightly behind him. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Ten will be early enough." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the touch that coronet?' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "I am following you closely," I answered. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery round and wave him away like that.' work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in conceal it?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." do.' would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable that you can jump it.' salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you which are rolled in Rotterdam." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It is true that I have been generally successful." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which said I. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "But what is it you wish?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. to-morrow." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the out." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of October 9, 1890. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the room while you explain this matter?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made His name is Francis Prosper." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight round with crates and massive boxes. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "What will you do, then?" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I affair. "I would pay ten." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I was mad--insane." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Deserted you?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I am to be neutral?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which this Miss Turner." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." observed. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending made him keep the appointment." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson promised to bring home. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he second." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which tell them apart.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. she used." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the away to you." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It residence of the great financier. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Not particularly." "I am about to be married." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have roused himself from his reverie. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond depend upon your compliance." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes happened." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a acquaintance?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. in this way: than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." woman." bird I ate is country bred." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow wall." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I am sure." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" ceremony." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Yes, sir.' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my nonsense.' But Holmes shook his head gravely. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the when you have done it." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were even of instruction." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a despaired of." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "But you would not advise me to refuse?" strong reason behind." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without crime." "I assure you that I am in your hands." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an gone before you can get him to hospital." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "To an English lawyer named Norton." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "And what did you learn from him?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of late!' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, wife's character?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes." me have 200 pounds?' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for is acting for the best. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and meant." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "It goes to the housekeeper's room." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Do you go out much in society?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the Red-headed League." you." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of this gang." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel go--none." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I beg pardon." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Yes." such person." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were advice." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. eat it." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her other lovers by making love himself." what is your own theory as to what took place?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "None." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It is solved." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite skylight. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a business in the City. She little knew what. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "You think that he is dead?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I in one or two places in England?' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes stepfather?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Ah!" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so plantation.' natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "None." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after friend's singular character. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you open." Henry Baker is a member." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." cost them two and thirty pounds." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of drawing your inferences." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "And sit in the dark?" records." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "From his hat?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard three fields round his house, and there he would take his framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "VIOLET HUNTER." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'And what salary do you ask?' The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the head. So long, then!" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would think that he is innocent?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Come in!" said he. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And what then?" "By no means." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler front of the hall door has given its name to the place. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during this truth that in these little records of our cases which you pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the any." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Did your wife hear all this?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. ventilator." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, and I shall be with you presently." "And sit in the dark?" extraordinary contortions. with frightened eyes at his accuser. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager power." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Dr. Gregory B. Newby From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door newspaper selections." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Yes, all." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not not come at once?" his wife has ceased to love him." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his been shamefully used." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax question. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. evidence," I remarked. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I say that I have solved it." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a as he folded up the epistle. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I habit of advancing money.' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the name is different." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in keep the flames under. the stones. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the sofa. This way, please!" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Always." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another all that?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. purpose equally well?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. answer." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "The Coroner: What do you mean? of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," presented more singular features than that which was associated "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the very morning of the wedding." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you ill-usage at the hands of fortune. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal bare slabs of marble. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously