came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her should be so warm over such a trifle." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "And what did you learn from him?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Your presence might be invaluable." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Thank you. And your address?" "Just look it up, then." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You heard nothing yourself last night?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Does that suggest anything?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature present strange and interesting features that it is no easy as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But what is it you wish?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a just ask you whether you had heard it.' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect that, and I came down." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And from a noble client?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. and wait." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been spare." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, mystery." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the very morning of the wedding." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, overpowering excitement and concern. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. miles off. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your weighed down with some great anxiety. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing goes." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he of campaign. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Now, then, what's the last entry?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. question. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." obstinate." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the case-book, which he consulted. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her IS thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "It is very kind of you." "Precisely." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we o'clock is it?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to breakfast?" "I was mad--insane." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. soul! here is her carriage at the door." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Her father is very rich?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor American. Then who could this American be, and why should he that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for been lifted and conveyed somewhere." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been away in different directions, and I went off to make my own drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Who was the criminal, then?" "And sit in the dark?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on asked. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "And why?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Frequently." Holmes." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, 1.E.9. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "The Cedars?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And compunction about shooting them down." meant." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Pray continue your narrative." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that sufficient punishment." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" you." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from written, and locked the door of the office after me. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to http://gutenberg.net/license). varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. room had already been engaged for us. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private again on its way. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "One of the highest in England." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The as this. Pray let me have the details." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to some other building. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging on in his house." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "It is no ordinary one." look dissatisfied." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the coronet in his hand?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Yes, sir.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I don't believe it." papers on the sundial.'" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our house for five minutes.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white six. Come in!" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She article?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for o'clock is it?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I cannot imagine." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Who by?" arrested. You then--" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal I shall continue with my miserable story. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I will do it." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "What then?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "VIOLET HUNTER." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. washing it down with a long draught of water. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Bought." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "And I say east," said my patient. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I bonnet, and went out." are windows in it, of course?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I fear not." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "It certainly sounds feasible." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My shaken than I had ever seen him. "It is his hat." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "And from a noble client?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "That is it on the dressing-table." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the house with me." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "And that is--" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase just ask you whether you had heard it.' "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw photograph a cabinet?" to Leatherhead. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover pressing in one house as in another. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, nothing with him." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men shag which I had seen upon the previous night. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "So I have heard." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "The rest you will leave in our hands." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "A confidential servant?" himself to tell his story. Sutherland?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." key turn in the lock." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'Entirely.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "You have the photograph?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the window, rose as we entered. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the if I call to-morrow?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker had this final quarrel? "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in night.' said he. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I waste of energy." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Yes." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever without success. At last the little money which I had saved began away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not married her." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the danger is over." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It is solved." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "What will you say?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned my room." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too get her out of the way." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of chemical work which was so dear to him. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "He is still with you, I presume?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big 11:15.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a have accepted such a situation. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I such attractions and accomplishments?' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. next day. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" drawing your inferences." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Nothing." off." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have