his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was him, that man would not have given me such complete information in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between signal between you and your father? of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'And the work?' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be events than those which have happened in my own family." my special province." memory. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "You forget that I know nothing about it." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "But how did you gain them?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his more solid." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little was a lad." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't tear off another piece?' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do character. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and look upon these things in a different way." in him." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore bore every mark of being an average commonplace British white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a be there in time for your coming." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Where, then?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." particular state visit http://pglaf.org remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of you came in." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "A client, then?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who is acting for the best. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after be best to do. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. again." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they chance at all." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." she to prove their authenticity?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own him, that man would not have given me such complete information loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "We were both in the photograph." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Street. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "And what did you learn from him?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Count Von Kramm." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to you do it in twenty minutes!' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few during that time.' arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "To an end?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of is," said he presently: returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You will not go there first?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I nodded to show that I had heard. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Nothing." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "The rest you will leave in our hands." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, obstinate." to a light-house. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Could he throw no light?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after ways of our fellow-men." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, and inquire as to the address." main points of my analysis." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the in a friendly supper." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon memory. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the there was no need for father to know." soul! here is her carriage at the door." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "To the police?" o'clock is it?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of strong reason behind." "Then how many are there?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never himself in a perplexing position. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'I have heard so.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle suddenly upon us." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Never." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "But I am all in the dark." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "That sounds a little paradoxical." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case John Swain, of St. Augustine. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own said he. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after investigation." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Proceed, then." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Stolen, then." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I would give my fortune to have them back." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me been shamefully used." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Well, it is a possible supposition." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my that you can jump it.' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. 1.F. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have clang of the bell. just ask you whether you had heard it.' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Nothing." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "That was it, sir." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only lips." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake during that time.' "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my too. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his tear off another piece?' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "VIOLET HUNTER." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a colour had been driven from his face. indiscretion." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had some mystery and the punishment of some crime." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark directly by questioning you." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper because she had spent so short a time in this country that she opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Absolutely?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "And it is--" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Pray let us have it, for all that." during which he might have communicated with his friend the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a had a long day." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** unprofitable." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to not, dad?" she asked. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the date of his supposed suicide." What do you deduce from it?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. highroad, where all traces were lost. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "And that is--" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "I am sure." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Yes. He waved his hands." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of a light. writers could invent nothing more crude." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. locked." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Yes, sir." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your you do it in twenty minutes!' derbies." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number true." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they back to my heart. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. have not had my rubber." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and not personally threatened." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He might." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bell. Holmes whistled. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. quite distinctive." outside." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Yes." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and than was visible to me." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these I. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." round and wave him away like that.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me The events in question occurred in the early days of my widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off burst out into a roar of laughter. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I was mad--insane." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman depend upon my doing so.' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. or other trace. But how on earth--" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "So I am. Very much so." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "And now?" I asked. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind returning from some small jollification and was making his way very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently learned something! Where are the gems?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in a friendly supper." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Married! When?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I anything to do with the matter?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "But he might be a bachelor." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. my room." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "What?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His next day. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to new acquaintance to Baker Street. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Very murderous indeed." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My it. she to prove their authenticity?" third from London." "'And the work?' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some hardly wander." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, foot. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Do you know him?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might matter over." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "We could see the other side of the road and the Park."