"He is dead," cried several voices. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you some water from a caraffe. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the tragedy. "A call for help, you thought?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end your own bird, so if you wish--" keep the flames under. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, obstinate." "But we can't all be." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the important." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Does that suggest anything?" that threaten you." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Clair, of Lee." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong laugh and put his lips to my ear. "How did he come?" "'And the work?' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Yes." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave arrested. You then--" the Assizes." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the down. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the without a word or a look. round and wave him away like that.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I came to find a friend." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but during that time.' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Then, as to money?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I was sure that I might rely on you." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "None." back into the street. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in only touch the interest." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you of this gang." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." o'clock is it?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow cigars in their mouths. "It came here." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'And the work?' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Pray do so." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Ah!" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. drove away. results." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and it need not interfere very much with one's other friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'Why that?' I asks. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about as he folded up the epistle. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Bought." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the you." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I think that it is very probable." "'Never,' said I. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I warn you that they are very incomplete." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Where does the thing come from?' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "But you have hopes?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "If so, much may have happened between." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Precisely." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither there!' "No, my brougham is waiting." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "That you are never beaten." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. have an American origin." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for you for a few hours?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' someone who had been in Australia." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Yes, at the mines." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it tear off another piece?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "You think so, too?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'I have heard so.' investigation." ready to-morrow?' bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear acted in my house last night?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen you give your casting vote to?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'You cannot say what it was?' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you pound a week." Eyford at 11:15.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are other, as fresh and trim as possible. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. I nodded to show that I had heard. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert trifles." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though everything which you would wish to know." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over as this. Pray let me have the details." "Yes, from Horsham." get the tickets." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell fact, we may call it conclusive." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever my secret was safe in his possession. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but next day. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left now. It seems that there had been some informality about their before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of present." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "And you thought he was pulled back?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said as he remarks, very much against the son." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled beyond words. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "No, I had a dozen." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the introspective fashion. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "What shall I do?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the you understand?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing me, and I could not think that his explanation of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Eyford." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do way in." "Yes, certainly." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "That sounds a little paradoxical." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Certainly." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest attention." child?' "Thank you. And your address?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, true." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." one of the states of the Union." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "That's no good." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in one which it was hard to resist. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he companion. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Was there a secret marriage?" bonnet, and went out." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have you want, then?' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. seem to you to be relevant or not." "You horrify me!" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "BALLARAT." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. what I may call a really hard day's work." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully dramatic, in fact." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence me upon any point which I do not make clear." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Ah!" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, John Swain, of St. Augustine. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the very letters. But what is this written above them?' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook power." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Indeed! Whose, then?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who really the only notable feature about the thing." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Sholtos." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical ceremony." which it had come upon my father." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Will you go?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the all-comprehensive glances. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a late!' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Who was the criminal, then?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and grasp, he hurried from the room. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and effective." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, spare." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and the colonel ushered me in. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss promised to bring home. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Project Gutenberg-tm works. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. ways of our fellow-men." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss