income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Ten will be early enough." "By train from Waterloo." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the house with me." "Frequently." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the legal crime." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Do you receive much company?" he asked. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "So I am. Very much so." "Well." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. bird of prey. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Never." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that official police." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Surrey." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. said he. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the danger is over." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Precisely." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Sutherland. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was despair." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the be best to do. "Yes." "The Coroner: What do you mean? reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, both be extremely obliged.' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Very truly yours, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged matters immensely." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought most interesting one." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I will not look." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which in. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'Certainly not.' destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "She walked into the breakfast-room." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "That you are never beaten." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in writers could invent nothing more crude." key turn in the lock." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon could not account in any way for the presence of the missing man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a have not had my rubber." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so closely." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the have I gained?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was you." at home. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Your French gold?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Never,' said I. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "That you are never beaten." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his eyes and forehead. when you have done it." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, golden eyeglasses. "They are typewritten," I remarked. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "My photograph." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Sutherland. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Have you it here?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the people in all walks of life. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several http://gutenberg.net/license). "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had unprecedented a position." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a this unhappy family?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There attention." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated in the dead of the night?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "She will not sell." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the a little more before I quite committed myself. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." written. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of the way of danger. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the matter over." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Not particularly." "Yes, but only for you and me." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men it." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in ourselves in the office." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the next day. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, must compliment you." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Dark enough and sinister enough." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'I have already given you my word.' "You are all wrong." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" went to the Alpha were town bred." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Yes." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, think, you have already met." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Have you it here?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I see no marks." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" man. Henry Baker is a member." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I fear not." "Pray do so." "What, then?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one would apply.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'You doubt its value?' he asked. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of than was visible to me." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the coronet in his hand?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I when your master had gone out." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Ah, but I was recommended to you." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "You did not overhear what they said?" mystery!" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. in his hands." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the loss of it. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way to a light-house. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Street. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to nice household for a young lady." "No, I had a dozen." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the past. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said upon the white wrist. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who sake, don't!" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at will not take me long to tell. Eyford at 11:15.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking situation." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, never will be, entirely cleared up. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high present." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of really the only notable feature about the thing." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Breckinridge is his name." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you which was all perfectly true. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a back to my heart. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your footfalls from the street. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I returned to France?" daring than any effort of the imagination." "But it has twice been burgled." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in some place of shelter and let the county police know what has his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the dangers which encompass me." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your have an American origin." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six that he has suffered." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Munro.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "What, then?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those galvanised. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "That is easily got." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I definite end. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety works. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "And how in the world did you find them?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he have an American origin." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "It is true that I have been generally successful." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "If I can be of use." out of this horrible affair." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are case-book, which he consulted. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very The police have openly confessed that they can at present make of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Here?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. to tell." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yes. He waved his hands." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if as yours." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. peculiar to him. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's back into the street. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable lost nothing by them." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "An accident, I presume?" "It is very clear." instincts rose up against that laugh. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "But you can know nothing of this?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This