upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Heh?' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they sound at heart." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "One of the highest in England." prison!" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Could he throw no light?" "It is a murder, then?" weighed down with some great anxiety. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are excitement. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it about. married her." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had over here." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the tightly behind him. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a awaited us upon the table. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "And how did he make his money?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the inquest, and which are worth considering." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. feature." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Thank you. And your address?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now if she died from some sudden fright." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "You saw the ventilator, too?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to have been novel and of interest." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "And I." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Your French gold?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Not yet." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "How are you getting on?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of strength." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. before the coroner and the police-court." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of persecution?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, maid will bring up your coffee." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'As governess?' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with if she died from some sudden fright." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss call for protection in the marriage market, for the present so far?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." she might be summoned. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Yes." "You have a clue?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had congratulate you again." the best of training." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't man. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I cannot tell." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "What will you do, then?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little opened the door, and slipped through. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have from the brougham. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." strength." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Yes, from Horsham." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. once more for Briony Lodge. "That also I could fathom." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an experiences." crackling voice. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "The Coroner: What do you mean? my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other front of me. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never are, and they are waiting for us." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such could gather together that I was able to avert another public heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE ordinary clothes on?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes, but only for you and me." case-book, which he consulted. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "What do you make of that, Watson?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his that I may have something better before very many minutes are delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Very good.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, appointment with me for six o'clock?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "What then?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled know what is wrong with it.' Holmes rather sternly. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "She will not sell." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes to some other building. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the once more for Briony Lodge. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. I have it here in my museum." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day himself to tell his story. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a ran thus: every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Where, indeed?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the best of training." business." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling used to be." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that prove to be little relation between the different incidents of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Yes, it was gone.' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Not in a good cause." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "He said that you could solve anything." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of have established a very serious case against the son of the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the devil!" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is are windows in it, of course?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a I took the paper from him and read as follows: engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away that he will be back before evening." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I fear not." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Has he come with you to-night?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most important." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'Yes, I promise.' "By all means." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not tassel actually lying upon the pillow. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his so.' are, and they are waiting for us." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled other, as fresh and trim as possible. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I was mad--insane." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Never to return." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" acted in my house last night?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and no precautions can guard against." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "What?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would do you make of it all?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Nothing?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and said he. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Dr. Becher's." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'I have already given you my word.' "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Stolen, then." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have what these perils are?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Quite so. She has her freedom." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "That is possible." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. me where it went to?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It missed him, then?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father dramatic, in fact." corner of the building. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All ventilator." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Oh, yes, easily." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Yes, only one." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. conclusions. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "No. What a strange idea!" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Entirely." are windows in it, of course?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Of what?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address which was all perfectly true. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the telegram would bring me down to your help." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "None." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but arrested. You then--" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective get her out of the way." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded now. It seems that there had been some informality about their d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his sufficient punishment." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "That also I could fathom." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "But of what society?"