round and wave him away like that.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: second window is the one that I jumped from." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, that he will be back before evening." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the congenial hunt. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think outside. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a his grey eyes. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "In San Francisco, a year ago." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." good for you to do.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get situation." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he to me. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only any little problem which you may submit to me." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Yes, but only for you and me." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "But you can know nothing of this?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and individual and becomes the badge of a society." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his absorbing." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for have an American origin." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Texas, I think." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "9th. McCauley cleared. remarked. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I am sure." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "What have you to say now?" "It is very kind of you." most interesting one." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Precisely so. But how--" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a pressing in one house as in another. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this was lame." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away not come at once?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of room?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "A client, then?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." clang of the bell. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among memory. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." in one or two places in England?' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony my little problems." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Project Gutenberg-tm works. charged with?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. head. So long, then!" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had as the one I chose?' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my business." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had detained." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. dates and names. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. made his money." "What, then?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of be. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." held up the lantern and gazed about him. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? yards of it?' "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on vague figure huddled up in the darkness. door?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her dates and names. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which at my own good fortune. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "How about poison?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Does that suggest anything?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to quite distinctive." "Thank you. Pray proceed." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the late!' "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon nights." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they said he, "my real name is James Ryder." cost them two and thirty pounds." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just peculiar to him. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is morning." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, me where it went to?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Leadenhall Street--and--" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you wedding?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor frequently gained my first real insight into the character of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "But the mystery?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir your only hope of safety." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the room while you explain this matter?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so affection." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "In heaven's name, what for?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Was the window open?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. in the dead of the night?' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Sholtos." must be when I saw the door open.' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, problems help me to do so." closing the door. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' said I. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "You forget that I know nothing about it." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I cannot imagine." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Sutherland. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "But how could you guess what the motive was?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his eyes and forehead. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "You forget that I know nothing about it." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that during which he might have communicated with his friend the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Countess of Morcar's?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Your sister is dead, then?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "But his lameness?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my sit on the left-hand side of the driver." John Swain, of St. Augustine. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "I do." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Then I do not see the point." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind three fields round his house, and there he would take his bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "To an end?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Dirty?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "And how have you succeeded?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down pierced for earrings?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "That was it, sir." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this client, rising. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes, they were peculiar boots." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "That is unusual in a young girl." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." returned to France?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are I approached. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Yes." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "How can you tell that?" "Perfectly so." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "And from a noble client?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was eat it." yards of it?' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no second." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I crackling voice. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased forbidden door. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Have you it here?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though himself. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a of your young ladies.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "It is no ordinary one." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "And it is--" "But his left-handedness." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The gentleman I describe." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed gone before you can get him to hospital." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "But she will refuse." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" recover the gem." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "On Monday." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of your billet.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No bad?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end lumber-room." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And sit in the dark?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the window, rose as we entered. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and morning." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found