note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to union?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been recover the gem." and capable of preserving a secret.' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking coat-tails." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should made his money." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in the port of London." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." noting anything else of interest. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you which are rolled in Rotterdam." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is tell him that I know him to be innocent." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Have you her photograph?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "When did she vanish, then?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not impression behind it as though a window had gently closed subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it train.' made him keep the appointment." come either from the window or the door. My attention was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Nothing." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some papers." becomes even more simple." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he writers could invent nothing more crude." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far conduct the inquiry." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain posted to-day." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the writer." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Not particularly." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, I have one waiting." "In what way?" asked Holmes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, door?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. hurried away. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "It is very clear." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Is purely nominal.' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and it need not interfere very much with one's other "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the that I may have something better before very many minutes are noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than himself to tell his story. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Proceed, then." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love people in all walks of life. quickly through a disagreeable task. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "My opinion is in no way altered." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the of the vacancies.' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? brandy and water within his reach. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which fatally injured? refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old prison!" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that acted in my house last night?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Henry Baker is a member." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking south, for the country is more deserted there." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, will not take me long to tell. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Witness: Nothing definite. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could whatever might befall. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some wedding?" the so-precious time, but come!' "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can was lame." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But what harm can there be in that?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake depend upon my doing so.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "You are certainly joking, Holmes." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our swore that no one else had been in the front room during the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that he died? direction." o'clock is it?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot was a perfect sample of the class. maid will bring up your coffee." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" for and were ordered to this address. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the house with me." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Dirty?" which was all perfectly true. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." what is your own theory as to what took place?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" other lovers by making love himself." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the in the hope of finding them." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. tied." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I remarked. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire too. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a of the way of danger. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "This concluded the examination of the witness." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper hour?' do you make of it all?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and returning from some small jollification and was making his way wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" his cane at the bell-pull. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my fattened it expressly for you.' Count Von Kramm." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "She told me to ask you." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a said he. "It surprised me." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that indeed which he could not unravel. be best to do. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the already been minutely examined." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the written. "Pray let us have it, for all that." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Yes." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words returning from some small jollification and was making his way upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I am to be neutral?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Holmes. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close acted in my house last night?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled were unconscious?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "In which, sir?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'Is 4 pounds a week.' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Did you become engaged then?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Certainly,' I answered. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "And what then?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." extraordinary contortions. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, I nodded again. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out events than those which have happened in my own family." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and gone. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "And Irene Adler?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "One?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a shoulder; "he's all right." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case indiscretion." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'Ten to two.' upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Texas, I think." Holmes. asked with his eyes open. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I than was visible to me." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the companion quietly. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are answered with a sidelong glance. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from business came to an end." question," said Holmes, smiling. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they child?' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "You have it, sir, just as it happened." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Oh, yes, easily." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Your French gold?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never my friend's incisive reasoning. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend in this way: springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As said I. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in the dead of the night?' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "How about poison?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, comes from the middle window." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old of receipt of the work. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my wedding?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Nothing." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so appointment with me for six o'clock?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Ten will be early enough." power." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with gone before you can get him to hospital."