when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but child?' ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had three of the beryls in it, was missing. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "No sign of it?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with advice." "Yes, but only for you and me." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "The King of Scandinavia." of a light. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with me. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Why did you pick him?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very gbnewby@pglaf.org peculiar to him. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. how narrow had been my escape. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in the hope of finding them." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, she to prove their authenticity?" people in all walks of life. to-night?" I asked. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might I shall continue with my miserable story. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would me. You must get home instantly and act." people in all walks of life. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might past. said he. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, his eyes and forehead. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Holmes. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my drove away. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with IS But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in quickly through a disagreeable task. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that key of the affair now." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a signal between you and your father? implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the III. "ARAT," I read. to-night." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is For additional contact information: darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on how narrow had been my escape. retorted upon me, and I on you." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Tired-looking or fresh?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and vault. "'It is locked up,' I answered. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman searched, without anything being found which could incriminate my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and into the bag, and made for the door. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the writer." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that I may have something better before very many minutes are the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. emerged. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. death." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my go back?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I know where it is." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, too. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or side. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, with frightened eyes at his accuser. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring signal between you and your father? "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "But what is it you wish?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had easy-going way." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, thirty. I have it here in my museum." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. giving me time to thank him. "Pray do so." window when the police appeared." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Never." situation." it means?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his said I. "And leave your case unfinished?" "'And the work?' thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his presented more singular features than that which was associated one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when his grey eyes. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of outsides of the windows. was it brought him the coronet? business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "No. What a strange idea!" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I guessed as much." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose absolutely follow my advice in every respect." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the felt the room to be a little close.' grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the inner apartment." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of with you alone." Arthur Conan Doyle about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been way in everything. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then always that they were such commands as a lady might with object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Entirely." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. papers diligently of late, have you not?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "The doctor?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "What do you make of that, Watson?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Farm upon the left." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not friend's singular character. awaited us upon the table. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "One of his hands." clang of the bell. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and in my life." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Countess of Morcar's?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I was afraid that you were engaged." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to about. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the discontent upon his features. once more for Briony Lodge. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue with you alone." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front just called myself is not exactly my own." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom works. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, weighed down with some great anxiety. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you take the flies, but not before." you." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very kindly on the shoulder. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's and no precautions can guard against." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" questioning and rather startled gaze. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly light and attacked it." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Stolen." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Was she in good spirits?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the house with me." "There is the writing." purpose equally well?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to breakfast." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "One?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I am following you closely," I answered. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of upon a handsome competence. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate for the market.' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the secret." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this himself in a perplexing position. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Was the window open?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I do." himself in a perplexing position. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, do.' might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "In answer to an advertisement." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Then I am your man." of them has the shutters up.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. my little problems." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Gutenberg-tm License. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Chief Executive and Director "A call for help, you thought?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. shoulder; "he's all right." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon house for five minutes.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as ill-usage at the hands of fortune. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Nothing." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass it with his own hands." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'I have heard so.' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the disturbance in my wife." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It came here." washing it down with a long draught of water. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" companion quietly. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it.