a few minutes he said that it would be all right. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the him nearly every evening." showing my impatience. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a families. Now for the facts. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the be. "It was an hour's good drive." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and the colonel ushered me in. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that whether it answered to the description of any of their in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She means taking possession of that which another person has a prior papers diligently of late, have you not?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the instincts rose up against that laugh. if she died from some sudden fright." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are this Miss Turner." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call present strange and interesting features that it is no easy opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was off." "None." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him but preventing her from injuring another. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and a very grave face. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished 11:15.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence strength in the others." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. three fields round his house, and there he would take his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But fattened it expressly for you.' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the carpenter." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Where could I find him?' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You don't mind breaking the law?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of http://www.gutenberg.net play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking kindly on the shoulder. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "None." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Bought." Henry Baker is a member." "It came here." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Eyford at 11:15.' and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a cheerful." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, minor matters until to-morrow." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the bottom.' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through delighted to hear it," he said. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long points in connection with it which never have been, and probably old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Very. But will he see it?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a several quiet little villages up there." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they will find little credit to be gained out of this case." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the stones. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his through." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "What, then?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the general public were present, then?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a that?' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The been deceived." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either http://gutenberg.net/license). then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And when will you call?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "My dear Holmes!" is worth.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "In answer to an advertisement." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I think that it is very probable." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "How do you know, then?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I beg pardon." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a sooner or later she must fall a victim. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about geese which you supplied to the Alpha." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Yes." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. he died? "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. goes." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight present strange and interesting features that it is no easy closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "You think that he is dead?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's row." rose-bushes. of campaign. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Was she in good spirits?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside if I call to-morrow?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common mysterious end." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in my life." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting intimate personal affairs in this public manner." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one newspaper selections." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I was sure that I might rely on you." galvanised. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to from you?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, prisoner's face. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental I approached. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I am armed." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will or in danger--" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the soul! here is her carriage at the door." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of to-night?" I asked. "Have you her photograph?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Mrs. Toller serenely. tell them apart.' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No, distinctly professional." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they showing my impatience. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'Entirely.' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but green of the new foliage. said I. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Yes." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen least a most suspicious remark." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'And what salary do you ask?' "And you can do nothing until then?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian chamber." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "And you can do nothing until then?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens useful material for showing traces. The double line a little unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of should be taken.' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey States. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "And I say east," said my patient. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want that there was nothing in it, after all." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than all?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, chair. memory. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "My Mary? Impossible!" might have a private word with us. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it seen the man in the road." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular tell them apart.' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources London for the present?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was him. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Never,' said I. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the bare slabs of marble. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I will not look." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and laid it on the table. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "What can it mean?" I gasped. "But you were on a friendly footing?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to about here speaks of his kindness to him." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "'About the same.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an even so self-evident a thing as that." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "The gentleman I describe." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Proceed, then." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Holmes rather sternly. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. think, you have already met." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And Irene Adler?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so these bleak autumnal evenings." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I am sure." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "What of the rat, then?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping opened the door, and slipped through. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just