that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this your troubles." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last my secret was safe in his possession. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing take the flies, but not before." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks whatever might befall. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. round with crates and massive boxes. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Watson," he said cordially. mysterious business." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, your co-operation." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Henry Baker is a member." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked awaited us upon the table. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "But you have hopes?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it goes." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Precisely so. But how--" electronic works chill to my heart. attention." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." giving me time to thank him. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things even of instruction." meant it for the best. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I am sure." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Was he the only applicant?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what bird of prey. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her perplexity from it to my illustrious client. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the used to be." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but read it out to me." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the tragedy. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel instituted." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "What is it, then--a fire?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced man. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. prison!" his face. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Yes." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small photograph?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "My last client of the sort was a king." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. think, you have already met." is worth.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the companion quietly. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I say it is." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Was the window open?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the roots. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned secret." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings think you a quite exceptional woman." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "No more words. Get out!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and glanced through. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to-night?' still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if this as likely?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Precisely so. But how--" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And your mother is alive?" "Witness: Nothing definite. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to together. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent bore every mark of being an average commonplace British King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the one as in the other." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe stammered. voice, changing her seat as requested. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "A thing like a cleaver," said he. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Yes." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "He might." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain eavesdroppers?' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "No, finished." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If interests were the same as his." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to have an American origin." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather questionable one." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has served to weaken the effect. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "And leave your case unfinished?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was train.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "My dear Holmes!" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Very truly yours, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the of the way of danger. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." come either from the window or the door. My attention was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. soul! here is her carriage at the door." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the article?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "So I am. Very much so." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "An enemy?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite to tell." words came to my lips. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been fait accompli?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and place no limit on the sum I may draw." "What! Had he lost his wife?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And what did you learn from him?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences present." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Again Holmes raved in the air. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money October 9, 1890. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I have solved it." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the coronet in his hands?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Nearly eleven." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first was shining brightly. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the date of his supposed suicide." than was visible to me." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man morning." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a within hail.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. kindly on the shoulder. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far directly by questioning you." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary events, Mr. Windibank!" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By door?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Street. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have established a very serious case against the son of the look dissatisfied." the coronet at all injured?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with depend upon your compliance." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and keep the flames under. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was dead, shall be safe with us." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "You don't mind breaking the law?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "No more words. Get out!" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" closing the door. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was confronted him. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Very truly yours, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear gbnewby@pglaf.org request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of this gang." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his meant." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His was a perfect sample of the class. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it right.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and voice, changing her seat as requested. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the husband's writing, madam." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and head. So long, then!" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came his forehead." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings nothing of it?" address. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips excitement. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his had died away into the silence from which it rose. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Precisely." character. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me you want, then?' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "It must be recovered." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "And that is--" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I am about to be married." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both noble correspondent could be. might help us?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "By all means." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Then what has happened to him?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left spark where all is dark to me." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Not at all. I only doubt--' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "That's no good." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A reach." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly take the flies, but not before." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." footfalls from the street. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I cannot as yet see any connection." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon persecution?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or girl said." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I