"Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform some water from a caraffe. better grown goose." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. to-night." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to said he. galvanised. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock very peculiar words of the dying woman?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether criminal. We have already had experience of such." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "But we can't all be." the ceiling. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever you." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Perfectly so." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in infinite languor in his face. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Perfectly so." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the more terrible than the truth. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to third from London." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And why?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from manager. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "A thing like a cleaver," said he. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her unprecedented a position." "It looks newer than the other things?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "A call for help, you thought?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It is his hat." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his remarked. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," indeed which he could not unravel. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I was afraid that you were engaged." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the secret." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and all of them with the keenest interest. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled dramatic, in fact." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, long narrative. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "You are hungry," I remarked. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the tear off another piece?' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." photograph a cabinet?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a But Holmes shook his head gravely. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "And Miss Sutherland?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a happened." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its her also." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, he. "And what then?" the matter." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the again on its way. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "And for present expenses?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Pool. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Yes, I promise.' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have of Mr. Rucastle's." sofa. This way, please!" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Yes." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. me where it went to?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as be. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I cannot think." "None." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most you?' himself. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from own family. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It certainly sounds feasible." footfalls from the street. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Was she in good spirits?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in it were putty." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he already referred to. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my behind me. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a these bleak autumnal evenings." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to one of the states of the Union." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "You horrify me!" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his it." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face could not have written that. It is the German who is so I approached. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We least a most suspicious remark." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "'Which dealer's?' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he photograph?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a suggestive one." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which when your master had gone out." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the advice." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be matters immensely." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as your room." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a villagers almost as much as their master. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Mrs. Toller serenely. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "But not more so than I to find you." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with over here." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The bill, which interests me deeply." eavesdroppers?' "I was sure that I might rely on you." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Deserted you?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking asked with his eyes open. "No, but the enclosure is." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" cause to be." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing child?' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may furiously. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "What is it?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my call you and give you the chance." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." maid will bring up your coffee." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as were wasted." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Holmes' thin, eager face. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "The Cedars?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of congratulate you again." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "If so, much may have happened between." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the hour." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I am following you closely," I answered. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Her father is very rich?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It You can understand that this register and diary may implicate twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a before the coroner and the police-court." your Highness to the police-station?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "That is it on the dressing-table." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" meant it for the best. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. outside." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And I to find an enemy." "Imitated." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' had formerly been in part my own. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. you in your example." of Fenchurch Street." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over fat-encircled eyes. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and his grey eyes. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year