was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "By no means." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in one's self under obligations.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous nothing with him." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in how narrow had been my escape. You want to know what became of those geese?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater miles off. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish constraint." "I would pay ten." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "You did not overhear what they said?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I have come for advice." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Pope's Court. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four knowledge of the world." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of shoulder; "he's all right." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Then how many are there?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the night.' details." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I have come for advice." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Why, what do you mean?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You were travelling in the States?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." nice household for a young lady." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Nothing?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud do.' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction had died away into the silence from which it rose. residence of the great financier. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "You think so, too?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Absolutely none." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as your Highness to the police-station?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson and looked back. electronic works difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the loss of it. leaning back in his chair. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a License. You must require such a user to return or with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a burst out into a roar of laughter. of it with the greatest attention. might have a private word with us. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have conclusions. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable footfalls from the street. is a common subject for conversation. of this gang." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I say that I have solved it." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "When did it break out?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "How often?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind upon the sideboard." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of beg that you will break it off." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Very much so." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "You saw the ventilator, too?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I would pay ten." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, the wine-cellar." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I cannot imagine." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Not social, then?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I of the vacancies.' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Ample." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I are, I think, all that we need." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Well, but China?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure hour?' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, always that they were such commands as a lady might with o'clock is it?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Pray continue your narrative." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to For additional contact information: business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Never." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "The best possible." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the or in danger--" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That is possible." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I shall be delighted." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Stolen." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "What do you make of that, Watson?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "That's no good." all that?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "You heard nothing yourself last night?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have shaken than I had ever seen him. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty peculiar to him. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do that you can jump it.' must compliment you." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a roused himself from his reverie. these bleak autumnal evenings." "It is true that I have been generally successful." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Munro.' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Yes." washing it down with a long draught of water. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Where is it, then?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that future lives." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny round with crates and massive boxes. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is true that I have been generally successful." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are shall not find me ungrateful." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "The King of Scandinavia." "By all means." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Yes, sir." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Yesterday." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary wedding?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "You have it, sir, just as it happened." nothing of it?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" one of the states of the Union." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "What! a murderous attack?" and your relations to her." "Who by?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are most interesting one." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "That's no good." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is becomes even more simple." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that important." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the devil!" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the sooner or later she must fall a victim. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. round and wave him away like that.' I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "What office?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Nothing." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then words came to my lips. "But he might be a bachelor." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Then, as to money?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened papers diligently of late, have you not?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own look dissatisfied." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "You'll never persuade me to believe that." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Only as much as we can deduce." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head as he folded up the epistle. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "And how did you verify them?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his interest. They are important, you understand, without being I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I will do it." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it your billet.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great father's place of business?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had it with his own hands." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap galvanised. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise fashion which was peculiar to him. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of friend's singular character. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" nonsense.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Nothing." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must excitement. them?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded woven round him. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one your room." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Of what day?" "I have my revolver," said I. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really could gather together that I was able to avert another public of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Perfectly so." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the tragedy. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even invisible to me," I remarked. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and inquire as to the address." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which views." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to affect your life." might have a private word with us. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I am sure." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe chair. "Not social, then?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no man. crime." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I congenial hunt. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and inquire as to the address." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "No." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I shall most certainly do so." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'Certainly not. But why?' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in been." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The cheerful." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "So it appears." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which works. See paragraph 1.E below. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the one as in the other." coat-tails." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Yes." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties."