was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I say that I have solved it." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Holmes' room. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. very old mansion. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson back to my heart. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "His face fell immediately. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average room had already been engaged for us. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." had died away into the silence from which it rose. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Well, but China?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & name is different." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "By all means." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Her father is very rich?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "But his left-handedness." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the coroner come to?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged directly by questioning you." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its again before evening." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Quite so. She has her freedom." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until crowd. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I should wish to." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open least a fellow-countryman. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "And did you observe any change in her then?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, present." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been all that?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before leaning back in his chair. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." own family. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Upon what point?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my directors have had misgivings upon the subject." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I them?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It always that they were such commands as a lady might with have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to whole matter to your consideration." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold read over the extraordinary announcement. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with went to the Alpha were town bred." business at Coburg Square is serious." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "The doctor?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. seven miles from Eyford Station.' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I with you?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Holmes' thin, eager face. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he fuss that is made over them." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." I shall continue with my miserable story. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as into the room. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the night.' said he. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "None." back into the street. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Pope's Court. "My last client of the sort was a king." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. business?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that and effective." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove written, and locked the door of the office after me. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room door?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Ten to two.' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked matter." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well opened the door, and slipped through. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the coroner come to?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "To an English lawyer named Norton." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'Ten to two.' "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly him to go away.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Here?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he he died? shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I should like to see him very much." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Yes." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. past. go--none." fashion which was peculiar to him. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. held up the lantern and gazed about him. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "You have the photograph?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "What! You do not mean bodies?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "But how did you gain them?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my was lame." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and indiscretion." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together delirious. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Absolutely none." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "That you are never beaten." do you make of it all?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside soul! here is her carriage at the door." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower ashen face. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I guessed as much." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. me where it went to?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an It was close upon four before the door opened, and a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his upon the shelf for the interim." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very approach us with offers to donate. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, learned something! Where are the gems?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making frequently gained my first real insight into the character of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "An enemy?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms shall use the carriage to-night." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "And you don't know his address?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from himself. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and no precautions can guard against." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better too. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the coronet in his hand?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his forehead." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest out." delighted to hear it," he said. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there four million human beings all jostling each other within the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'I shall certainly be there.' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened I am not easy in my mind about them." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Yes, it was twisted." morning." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Where, indeed?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, client, rising. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it think that he is innocent?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But what harm can there be in that?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came had this final quarrel? your own bird, so if you wish--" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "That you are never beaten." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the side-table." indiscretion." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done tightly behind him. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to six. Come in!" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the second window is the one that I jumped from." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during prisoner's face. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I have hopes." "Did you observe the colour?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal whether it answered to the description of any of their fatally injured? bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off married her." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is