beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I should be immensely obliged to you." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good directly by questioning you." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." friends, not even his own brother. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked drawing your inferences." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his to some other building. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I have a cab outside." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I leave." "What can it mean?" I gasped. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting to-night." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I assure you that I am in your hands." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "No, I am descending." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project awkward doing business with an alias." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a call it cruel." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than see me here to avoid scandal." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What call you and give you the chance." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "What shall I do?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "And now?" I asked. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by off." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I overpowering excitement and concern. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Yes." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Does that suggest anything?" "And how did you verify them?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and matter." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made I was concerned in it." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I populous neighbourhood." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Come in!" said he. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to tackle the facts." "Stolen." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing directors have had misgivings upon the subject." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' could not have written that. It is the German who is so week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by gentleman's clothes. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" as yours." McCarthy." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very returning from some small jollification and was making his way "How did that help you?" "Is he quiet?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Ah, but I was recommended to you." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I whereabouts. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "I will get her to show me." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began again, where I was soon asleep. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing mysterious business." off." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my humiliation." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in ourselves in the office." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known touch that coronet?' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be me where it went to?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity of fine shops and stately business premises that they really these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "The Coroner: What do you mean? McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you three fields round his house, and there he would take his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate tightly behind him. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "And the murderer?" directors, with the result that you have seen." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Yes, sir.' other lovers by making love himself." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black has little to do with my story." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, all that?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Who was the criminal, then?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had nice household for a young lady." and have this put in the evening papers." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass towards the blaze. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for waste of energy." enter into my head. examine." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, meanly of me." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in appeal." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Sholtos." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with begun to whiten, even as mine has." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching again, where I was soon asleep. "It is a murder, then?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, absorbing." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "What do you make of that, Watson?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to where he stood hid behind the curtain. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the very morning of the wedding." British peeress.'" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the garden below. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in standing smiling on the door-step. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I will try. What is it?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her started for the Temple to see my husband. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve your most interesting statement." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'Tell me all about it,' said I. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in what these perils are?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that goes." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding standing smiling on the door-step. "Precisely." if she died from some sudden fright." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he look upon these things in a different way." I have it here in my museum." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and roused himself from his reverie. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be seen the man in the road." "'Never.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the know what is wrong with it.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." head. So long, then!" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature imbecility!" he cried. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit few hundred pounds.' him!" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Then what has happened to him?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that with some details as to your case." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I shall be delighted." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If relief. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Your presence might be invaluable." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP purpose equally well?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from humiliation." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point disappearance of the bride.'" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. standing smiling on the door-step. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Did he not advertise?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and no precautions can guard against." the coronet in his hand?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "By no means." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy dramatic, in fact." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "By all means." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Mrs. Toller serenely. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of is acting for the best. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "'Yes.' "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And I to find an enemy." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor lamp in his hand. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "But of what society?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Did your wife hear all this?" think you a quite exceptional woman." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. always that they were such commands as a lady might with could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "In the cells." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Yes." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden ourselves in the office." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "But it has twice been burgled." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while which it had come upon my father." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Not I." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Yes." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very conduct the inquiry." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the sound at heart." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the side-table." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Her father is very rich?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave easy-going way." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have eavesdroppers?' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "What is it?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "But you can know nothing of this?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as 1.E.9. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was distance from the station, and there we found the young lady be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "He said too much." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "No good news?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "And how?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out minor matters until to-morrow." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was been lifted and conveyed somewhere." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. gives a meaning to it." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I have hopes." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official at my own good fortune. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the confronted him. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of over here." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so,