might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of which it had come upon my father." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would was the fact that his father should, according to his account, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "But what will you do?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried trifles." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Yes." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the horse could go." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful geese which you supplied to the Alpha." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did narrative." hard-headed British jury." "'Yes.' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That's no good." "You have the photograph?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I see many objections to any such theory." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who have been better. It is all right." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as and the church but not where the lady lived." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "They are typewritten," I remarked. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and I shall be with you presently." "The vanishing of the lady." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for habit of advancing money.' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional your Highness to the police-station?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I was concerned in it." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in once more. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are exactly what you advise." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Why? What do you mean?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Yes, he did." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the me have 200 pounds?' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible article?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "My private note-paper." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been call for it in person on Monday morning.' matter." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding room?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. humiliation." "The murder was done with it." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You have but to name it." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, tightly behind him. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Did you observe the colour?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "On Monday." "'Certainly not. But why?' Street. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Yes, he did." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a showing my impatience. opened the door, and slipped through. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' over here." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "You did not overhear what they said?" Holmes. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "And it is--" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and national property. I was determined that the law should have its The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where fashion which was peculiar to him. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No not as remarkable as your advertisement." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "It is very clear." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a key of the affair now." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "But we can't all be." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some writer." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, nonsense.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" to-night?' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. morning." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere examination of the premises, but without finding anything which passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "About a month then." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest pictures, libraries, or plate. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and tied." excitement. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, room?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and prosperity to your house. Good-night." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of woven round him. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "But his left-handedness." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered nonsense.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I will do it." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'I have heard so.' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Doctor, of the paper and the date." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "What! Had he lost his wife?" have been better. It is all right." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "He disappeared so suddenly." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the prison!" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I are, I think, all that we need." something of him before." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And what then?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every nonsense.' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I allusion to a rat. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to surprise her." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord him nearly every evening." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "About a month then." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Yes." wedding?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "You know me, then?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of over here." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony hurried away. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, this poor creature." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I promise," said Holmes. sufficient punishment." was a perfect sample of the class. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Not in a good cause." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my events, Mr. Windibank!" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Serpentine Avenue. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "May I see it?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these mystery." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about photograph?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You spare." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray six. Come in!" "Yes, it would be as well." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the so.' which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough that you can jump it.' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for room. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue lectures into a series of tales." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and License. You must require such a user to return or desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "To the police?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Yes." "You have but to name it." Miss Holder?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Of what day?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I upon the white wrist. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Holmes." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I cannot tell." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. back alive. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the be there in time for your coming." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," will take you up to see the machine.' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of this gang." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in were unconscious?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'In my own bureau.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, his face. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "And how did you find out?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be there has been an enclosure here!" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "It may not come to that," said Holmes. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Mary, has deserted me." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Were they all fastened this morning?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I upon the sideboard." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here with you?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at