Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in the port of London." "I see many objections to any such theory." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar depend upon your compliance." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora events than those which have happened in my own family." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to have that photograph." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a legal crime." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "No legal papers or certificates?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "And I." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was ventilator." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and effective." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." floor. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the driver. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "An enemy?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had said he. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with London for the present?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." chance." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless that he has suffered." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little hopeless attempt at recovering them." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with even of instruction." wedding?" fact, we may call it conclusive." upon the sideboard." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Then he might have called to you?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the I have it here in my museum." "'Most admirably.' buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' paper in the air. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face so.' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "You know me, then?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we compunction about shooting them down." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, get the tickets." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. your sleep?' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if everything which you would wish to know." "To an end?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Munro.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "What will you say?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'About the same.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the station." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I am sure." "Here?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I have my revolver," said I. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "One?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our a good hundred miles off by now." villagers almost as much as their master. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I place of silver." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest have one." question. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "What I expected to see." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "You have but to name it." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Very much so." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'I am sure if I had known--' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Perfectly so." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the true." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'Certainly not. But why?' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with impression behind it as though a window had gently closed brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the developed." something of him before." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in indeed which he could not unravel. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and the colonel ushered me in. "And from a noble client?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were front of me. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness guilty one." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an touch that coronet?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous galvanised. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the I nodded to show that I had heard. grasp, he hurried from the room. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "But his left-handedness." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Never." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. pressing in one house as in another. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire wedding?" do." "The Cedars?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the little adventures." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Your sister is dead, then?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white least a fellow-countryman. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "And your mother is alive?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Lee, in the county of Kent." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's brain must have something in it." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Farm upon the left." "A confidential servant?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as right! Sit down and let us talk it over." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yesterday." the house with me." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the so-precious time, but come!' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and ago." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs cigar and let me expound." "And Miss Sutherland?" overpowering excitement and concern. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the once more. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." there!' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Texas, I think." "How did he come?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two once more. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I should like to see him very much." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just as he folded up the epistle. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two burst out into a roar of laughter. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Edgeware Road. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some everything which you would wish to know." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but 1.E.9. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again felt the room to be a little close.' article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the character. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible conclusions. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest disappearance of the bride.'" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Then, how do you know?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," be there in time for your coming." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and the whole place is in a blaze." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Yes." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had if only as a check to my own memory." indeed which he could not unravel. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in congratulate you again." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "When did she vanish, then?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There drawing your inferences." thought that she would have been so carried away." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there noise which awoke you from your sleep?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, some water from a caraffe. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook I think that I could be of assistance to you." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, that you wished to speak to me?' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Ample.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Did you become engaged then?" through." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "But what is it you wish?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you astonishment. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation over his head with a sweet womanly caress. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting was shining brightly. said I. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the inner apartment." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a